Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex, was an English soldier and nobleman who was one of the favorites of Queen Elizabeth I. But Devereux took the queen’s trust for granted and his later behavior towards her lacked due respect which ended their association in a tragic manner. Born as the son of Walter Devereux, 1st Earl of Essex, he inherited the title of Earl of Essex upon his father’s death, becoming a ward of the powerful Lord Burghley. He first rose to prominence while serving as a cavalry officer against the Spanish in the Netherlands and later replaced his stepfather, Earl of Leicester, as the favorite of Queen Elizabeth I. Essex and Elizabeth had a turbulent relationship and while there were many arguments between them, Essex, with his charming manners ensured that she continued to grant him royal appointments. After serving as the commander of the force which captured Cadiz, he rose to the height of fame and was subsequently appointed to lead a mission against Spain, one that he failed to accomplish. His greatest letdown to the majesty occurred when he was sent on a mission to Ireland to defeat the rebels, but he ruined it with an unfavorable truce that humiliated the queen and the English authorities. Subsequently, he was deprived of his offices and after he tried to seize the power with an abortive coup d'état against the government, he was executed on charges of treason.