How Did Bruce Justify His Claim to Be “Of the Blood of Alexander III”?

The death of Alexander III in 1286 marked a catastrophic turning point for Scotland. The accidental fall from his horse not only ended his reign but also plunged the kingdom into a period of uncertainty and power struggles. With no surviving sons and his granddaughter, Margaret, Maid of Norway, still a child living abroad, Scotland faced a contentious battle over succession. Among those asserting their right to the throne was Robert Bruce, Earl of Carrick. His claim, grounded in his descent from David of Huntingdon, a younger brother of King William I, was accompanied by political and military maneuvers to strengthen his position. This article explores the genealogical foundation of Bruce’s claim, his strategies to assert legitimacy, and the broader implications for Scotland during this turbulent period.