Famous Scots. Margaret Tudor.

Margaret Tudor was an English princess who later became the Queen Consort of Scotland through her marriage to James IV of Scotland. After his death, she served as the regent for their son, James V of Scotland. Known to be whimsical and passionate in nature, Margaret’s biggest concern, throughout her life, was her own survival. However, she also sought to bring a better understanding between her native kingdom and her adopted one. She was one of the daughters of Henry VII and his wife, Elizabeth of York. Her father arranged her marriage with James IV hoping that the union would end Scotland’s support for a pretender named Perkin Warbeck who had his eyes on the English throne. James IV and Margaret were subsequently married by proxy in January 1503 and met in person when Margaret came to Scotland later that year. After James IV’s death in 1513, Margaret assumed the role of a regent for her underage son. She played an instrumental role in the conflict between the pro-French and the pro-English factions in the Scottish court and often changed her allegiances in accordance with her financial interest. She married twice more and came to hate both of her husbands. Margaret eventually lost control over her son. Despite this, she spent the remainder of her life maintaining a prominent presence in the court.

Childhood & Early Life

Margaret Tudor was born on November 28, 1489, in Westminster Palace, to Henry VII of England and Elizabeth of York. She was one of Henry VII’s eight legitimate children. She had four brothers: Arthur, Prince of Wales; Henry VIII, King of England; Edward; and Edmund; and three sisters: Mary, Queen of France; Elizabeth; and Katherine. Edward, Edmund, Elizabeth, and Katherine did not survive infancy.


Her parents named her after Margaret Beaufort, Countess of Richmond and Derby, who was her paternal grandmother. Her baptism took place at St. Margaret’s Church, Westminster.


According to contemporary views, the daughters of kings were invaluable assets to be used for financial, political, diplomatic, and social gains for the family. Her father was considering a union between her and James IV even before she turned six.

Later Life & Death

In time, Margaret became frustrated with Stewart as well. She wanted another divorce but her son was opposed to it. She thought James V had been bribed by Stewart and tried to run off to England but was caught at the border.


She eventually reconciled with Stewart and developed a relationship of excellent understanding with her new daughter-in-law, Marie de Guise. She maintained a significant presence in the court throughout the rest of her life.


On October 18, 1541, Margaret passed away at Methven Castle, in Perthshire, after reportedly suffering from palsy. She was interred at the Carthusian Charterhouse in Perth. James V was not at her bedside when she died. He arrived later and confiscated all her properties.


Her father’s line, the Tudor dynasty, ended with her niece Elizabeth I of England. Later, her great-grandson, James VI of Scotland or James I of England unified the crowns.


In the BBC historical drama ‘The Tudors’ (2007-10), the character of Margaret Tudor was an amalgamation of Margaret and her sister, Mary. The producers did not want the viewers to confuse Princess Mary, sister of Henry VIII, with Princess Mary, daughter of Henry VIII. English actress Gabrielle Anwar portrayed the role.

Birthday: November 28, 1489. 

Died On: October 18, 1541

Trivia

James IV named a Scottish warship Margaret in her honour.