What does the globe represent on the armada portrait?

In the Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I, the globe symbolizes England's global ambitions and its status as a rising maritime power. Positioned in the queen's hand, it reflects her role in steering the nation towards exploration and expansion, particularly in the context of the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588. The globe also signifies the spread of Protestantism and England's sovereignty over its territories. Overall, it underscores Elizabeth's authority and the era's aspirations for imperial dominance.