18. George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham, won his title by charming James I
As the second son of a minor country gentleman, George Villiers had few expectations in life. However, in 1614, he was introduced at the court of the first Stuart King of England, James I and quickly caught the King’s eye. The King’s affection for George became a scandal. James openly hugged and kissed his young favorite and began to promote him well beyond his capabilities. George became a baron, then a marquis, later an earl and finally Duke of Buckingham. In 1619, James even made him Lord High Admiral. This promotion, however, was a step too far. In 1628, Villiers was assassinated while at breakfast by an officer called John Felton. Felton murdered the Duke because he felt he had “for so long gone unpunished” for his military ineptitude.