As "a male favourite to a virgin queen", Robert Dudley found himself in an unprecedented situation.
His apartments at court were next to hers, and—perceived as knowing "the Queen and her nature best of any man"—his influence was matched by few.
Another side of such privileges was Elizabeth's possessiveness and jealousy.
His company was essential for her well-being and for many years he was hardly allowed to leave.
Sir Christopher Hatton reported a growing emergency when the Earl was away for a few weeks in 1578: "This court wanteth your presence.
Her majesty is unaccompanied and, I assure you, the chambers are almost empty."

On ceremonial occasions Dudley often acted as an unofficial consort, sometimes in the Queen's stead.
He largely assumed charge of court ceremonial and organised hundreds of small and large festivities.
From 1587 he was Lord Steward, being responsible for the royal household's supply with food and other commodities.
He displayed a strong sense for economising and reform in this function, which he had de facto occupied long before his official appointment.
The sanitary situation in the palaces was a perennial problem, and a talk with Leicester about these issues inspired John Harington to construct a water closet.
Leicester was a lifelong sportsman, hunting and jousting in the tiltyard, and an indefatigable tennis-player.
He was also the Queen's regular dancing partner.
As "a male favourite to a virgin queen", Robert Dudley found himself in an unprecedented situation. His apartments at court were next to hers, and—perceived as knowing "the Queen and her nature best of any man"—his influence was matched by few. Another side of such privileges was Elizabeth's possessiveness and jealousy. His company was essential for her well-being and for many years he was hardly allowed to leave. Sir Christopher Hatton reported a growing emergency when the Earl was away for a few weeks in 1578: "This court wanteth your presence. Her majesty is unaccompanied and, I assure you, the chambers are almost empty."
On ceremonial occasions Dudley often acted as an unofficial consort, sometimes in the Queen's stead. He largely assumed charge of court ceremonial and organised hundreds of small and large festivities. From 1587 he was Lord Steward, being responsible for the royal household's supply with food and other commodities. He displayed a strong sense for economising and reform in this function, which he had de facto occupied long before his official appointment. The sanitary situation in the palaces was a perennial problem, and a talk with Leicester about these issues inspired John Harington to construct a water closet. Leicester was a lifelong sportsman, hunting and jousting in the tiltyard, and an indefatigable tennis-player. He was also the Queen's regular dancing partner.
Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester