Of Greetings, Salutations, and Honorifics: Elizabeth I, Boris Godunov, and Epistolary Signals of Status Acknowledgment.

The article focuses on the evolving perception of Boris Godunov's political status in relation to Tsar Fedor I and Queen Elizabeth I during the late 1580s, particularly through the lens of diplomatic correspondence. It examines how English diplomatic letters and the ceremonial language used within them reflected Boris's increasing influence at the Muscovite court, despite the absence of formal recognition of his role as regent. Initially, Boris was not acknowledged as a significant political figure in early correspondence, but as his power grew, Elizabeth's letters began to address him with higher honorifics, suggesting a recognition of his de facto authority. The analysis highlights the complexities of international diplomacy and the cultural differences in the understanding of regency between Muscovy and Western Europe. Ultimately, the article illustrates how Elizabeth's correspondence with Boris was shaped by the interests of English merchants in Russia and the fluid political dynamics of the time. [Extracted from the article]