Famous Scottish Empresses & Queens

Mary, Queen of Scots was the ruler of Scotland till 24 July 1567. After an uprising against her, Mary sought protection from her first cousin, Queen Elizabeth I of England. However, the Queen perceived her as a threat and kept Mary in confinement for eighteen and a half years. Ultimately Mary was beheaded for plotting to assassinate the Queen.

Mary II of England was Queen of England, Ireland, and Scotland from 1689 to 1694. Although she co-reigned along with her husband William III of England, she also took major decisions by herself whenever William was abroad. Mary has been portrayed in films, such as Orlando and England, My England.

Saint Margaret of Scotland, the Queen consort of Scotland, was a devout Christian reputed for her compassion for the poor of Scotland, for her charitable works and for promoting the interests of the church. She died shortly after receiving news of her husband, King of Scotland Malcolm III’s death in a battle. She was later canonized by Pope Innocent IV. 

Elizabeth de Burgh was the wife of Robert the Bruce and the queen consort of Scotland. Born to an advisor of Edward I of England, she spent most of her childhood at the English court. After the Scots were defeated by the English at Methven, she spent her days under house arrest.

Mary, Princess Royal was the eldest-daughter of English King Charles I and became Princess of Orange and Countess of Nassau through her marriage with William II of Orange. Her son William III of Orange, born 8 days after her husband's death, became the King of England, Scotland and Ireland. Mary acted as the regent for her minor son for the principality of Orange

Mary of Guelders was crowned Queen of Scotland following her marriage with King James II of Scotland. She founded the Trinity College Church in her husband’s memory. She led the government of Scotland as regent during early years of her son James III's reign and emerged as a competent ruler following a pragmatic foreign policy during the Wars of the Roses.

Margaret of Scotland was the Queen of Norway, as the wife of King Eric II of Norway. The daughter of Scottish king Alexander III, she was married off to Eric II to strengthen political ties between Norway and Scotland. She was known to have taught Eric French and English.