On July 10, 1553, Jane was proclaimed queen. However, her reign was precarious from the start.

• Lack of Support: Mary quickly rallied support among nobles and the populace, who favored her legitimate claim.
   

• Public Loyalty: The English people remained largely loyal to Mary.
   

• Northumberland’s Failure: The Duke’s forces were defeated; he was captured and executed.
   

By July 19, Jane was forced to abdicate in favor of Mary.

The Curse: Origins and Interpretations

The "Curse of the Nine-Day Queen" is a phrase coined later, reflecting the tragic fate of Jane and those around her.

• Deaths and Executions: Jane was imprisoned in the Tower of London and executed in February 1554 at age 16 or 17.
   

• Family Tragedies: Many of Jane’s relatives and supporters met violent ends, reinforcing the idea of a curse.
   

• Symbolic Retribution: Some viewed Jane’s downfall as divine punishment for her usurpation.
   

Jane’s Execution and Legacy

Jane’s execution was a somber affair. Despite her youth, she faced death with dignity and grace, earning sympathy from contemporaries and historians alike.

• Mary’s Clemency: Initially reluctant to execute Jane, Mary eventually yielded to political pressures.
   

• Jane’s Martyrdom: Jane became a Protestant martyr, symbolizing the struggle for religious reform.
   

• Historical Interpretations: Over time, Jane has been portrayed as a tragic victim, a pawn in power struggles, and a symbol of innocence lost. shutdown123