How were Mary, Queen of Scots and Elizabeth I of England related?
First cousins once removed — through Henry VII.
Why it matters
Mary's grandmother Margaret Tudor was Elizabeth's aunt. That made Mary the nearest heir to the English throne for most of Elizabeth's reign — the reason Mary was so dangerous to her, and the reason Elizabeth kept her prisoner for nineteen years before her execution in 1587.
The line between them
- Mary, Queen of Scots1542–1587
daughter of
- James V of Scotland1512–1542
son of
- Margaret Tudor1489–1541
daughter of
- Henry VII of England1457–1509
father of
- Henry VIII of England1491–1547
father of
- Elizabeth I of England1533–1603
Related successions
- Why did Mary, Queen of Scots succeed James V of Scotland?
Inheritance as an infant, with regents governing - Why did Elizabeth I of England succeed Mary I?
Inheritance under the Third Succession Act and Henry VIII's will - Why did James VI and I succeed Mary, Queen of Scots?
Forced abdication of the queen; infant king under successive regents - Why did James VI and I succeed Elizabeth I of England?
Inheritance by blood, secured by political preparation
Sources
Connection reviewed by HistorIQly. Part of the House of Stuart family tree.