WI: The Secret Child of the Virgin?

What if, in 1602 after Queen Elizabeths health started to deteriorate she told the nation of her secret. This was that she had secretly harbored a child with Robert Dudley, and that he had never had been married to Amy Robsart or Lettice Knollys and that it was all a large secret kept only by the four of them.

Her child was called William, and was now 43.

What would happen now? I know this is very unlikely but it's something I just thought up. How would an unknown child of Elizabeth be taken by the government and people of England? Of course now James VI of Scotland wouldn't be able to take the throne but how would everyone react to the 'Virgin Queen' suddenly not being a virgin at all?
 
Was there not a widespread view that Elizabeth was not a virgin?

Because William was illegitimate would he be entitled to succeed to the throne of England?

It is a fascinating idea for a TL.
 
Was there not a widespread view that Elizabeth was not a virgin?

Because William was illegitimate would he be entitled to succeed to the throne of England?

It is a fascinating idea for a TL.

He's not illegitimate though, the thing is that Elizabeth secretly married Dudley, though an illegitimate son would also be interesting.

You could have a real rebellion, not just some small one like the Monmouth rebellions, with William on one side being what he says the rightful heir and an englishman. With james on the other side declaring he is the rightful heir of England with his Scotsmen.

Possibly could cause a proper civil war.
 
How does a REIGNING QUEEN disappear for nine months of a pregnancy, and no-one notice!?!? [OK, so maybe she could hide it for 6 months, there is no way she can hide the last few months!]

I could IMAGINE that she produces a 'pretender' to secure the succession, but other people will be able to say 'I was at court 43 years ago, and the queen wasn't pregnant', so it's hard to see how that would fly.

Claiming the child was ... Hmm... Mary's, perhaps, born during captivity... or something, might, MIGHT work, maybe.
 
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