Robert Sidney, 1st Earl of Leicester (1563-1626) was an English nobleman and politician. He was the son of Sir Henry Sidney and the brother of the famous poet Sir Philip Sidney. Robert served in various military and diplomatic roles, including as a member of Parliament and as Governor of Flushing in the Netherlands. In 1618, he was granted the title of Earl of Leicester by King James I. Throughout his life, Robert was known for his loyalty to the crown and his involvement in court politics. He also played a significant role in the management of his family's estates and interests.