Her stepmother's husband sexually abused her in her teens

Elizabeth moved in with Katherine Parr, Henry VIII's last wife, after his death in 1547, which almost caused a scandal. Elizabeth was well-treated, and Parr made sure she would return to court. Parr then got married to Thomas Seymour, the Lord Admiral, and the younger Seymour uncle of King Edward. Thomas was arrogant, attractive, ambitious, and terribly envious of his elder brother's authority over the young monarch in his role as Lord Protector.

Elizabeth became a beautiful young woman and came into a close relationship with Thomas after he married Katherine. He started making advances on the princess, and the subsequent scandal suddenly placed Elizabeth into the difficult adult world. Katherine died in 1548, just after giving birth. This event made Seymour feel he might advance his political aspirations by marrying Elizabeth and taking over the King. He was imprisoned in January 1549, and his brother, the Lord Protector, had him put to death in March 1549 for treason.

Elizabeth was questioned about her involvement in the plan, but she skillfully refuted the accusations, leading to her final exoneration. It was Elizabeth's calm attitude and extraordinary maturity for a 15-year-old that helped her endure the controversy. She became extremely conscious of the need of defending her sexual reputation after the scandal. On March 20, 1549, Thomas Seymour was executed by hanging.