17. From Love to Resentment
Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley, became Mary’s second husband, and king consort of Scotland, from 1565 until he died two years later. Darnley had accomplished little of note in his brief life before his violent death at age 22. His single legacy was to impregnate his wife with the future King James VI of Scotland and James I of England. The Scottish royal couple’s sole offspring succeeded Queen Elizabeth I on the English throne, and gave rise to the Stuart Dynasty, which united England and Scotland.
Darnley resented that his wife was queen, while he was a mere consort, with no independent power. His resentment grew when Mary removed from circulation the currency that had his head on it. Darnley eventually focused his rage on Mary’s private secretary, David Rizzio, whom he accused of turning the queen against him, as well as being her lover. The accusation was rich, considering that Darnley was himself infamous as Scotland’s most debauched and promiscuous nobleman. Indeed, his list of alleged lovers included David Rizzio.