Why did James V of Scotland succeed James IV of Scotland?
Inheritance, with a long regency after the king's death in battle. Son — James IV's only surviving legitimate son, by Margaret Tudor.
The short answer
James IV was killed at Flodden on 9 September 1513 fighting his brother-in-law Henry VIII's army. His son James V was seventeen months old. Margaret Tudor acted as regent until she remarried; the Duke of Albany and later the Earl of Angus controlled the boy king until he escaped their custody in 1528.
Who they were
Key points
- James IV killed at Flodden, 9 September 1513
- Heir aged seventeen months — regency under Margaret Tudor, then Albany
- Personal rule began only in 1528
Sources
- James V of ScotlandAccession and regency
- Battle of FloddenDeath of James IV
Explanation written and reviewed by HistorIQly · reviewed 2026-09-18. Part of the House of Stuart family tree. Background on Wikipedia.