The Tragic Life of Rothesay

David Stewart, Duke of Rothesay, the eldest son of King Robert III of Scotland, lived a life filled with promise, scandal, and ultimately tragedy. As the heir to the Scottish throne, his destiny should have been one of glory and power. Instead, his short life is remembered as a cautionary tale about youthful excess, political intrigue, and the harsh realities of medieval Scottish politics.

Handsome and charismatic, Rothesay was every bit the embodiment of youthful exuberance, but his inability to navigate the complexities of power and his impulsive nature ultimately led to his demise. In this post, we will explore the life of David, Duke of Rothesay, touching on his character, political struggles, and the controversial circumstances surrounding his death, which marked a dark chapter in Scotland's royal history.

A Prince Full of Promise

Born in 1378, David Stewart was the firstborn son of Robert III and his queen, Annabella Drummond. From the start, Rothesay’s future seemed bright. As the heir apparent, he was expected to inherit the Scottish throne, continuing the lineage of the Stewart dynasty. His parents adored him, and he was well-educated, being trained for kingship under the careful guidance of his mother.

However, despite his advantages, Rothesay’s life would become marked by behavior that deeply troubled his family and court. Known for his dashing good looks and charm, Rothesay was beloved by the common people and admired by those at court. But his indulgence in the pleasures of life—drinking, womanizing, and gambling—began to draw criticism. At a time when Scotland needed strong leadership to navigate internal strife and maintain peace with England, Rothesay’s reckless lifestyle worried those who saw in him a potential king.

Yet, Rothesay’s faults were not merely personal failings. He was thrust into a political world dominated by fierce nobles who fought for control over the weak monarchy. His father, Robert III, was physically disabled, having been kicked by a horse in his youth, and lacked the ability to rule effectively. Real power lay in the hands of Robert’s younger brother, Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany. Albany’s growing influence over the kingdom created a dangerous dynamic between him and his nephew Rothesay, who was seen as a rival for power.

The Ambition of Albany

Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany, was a shrewd and calculating man. As his brother Robert III’s health deteriorated and the king withdrew from the daily business of ruling, Albany effectively became the ruler of Scotland. But as the young Rothesay came of age, Albany saw his nephew as a threat. Rothesay was not only the heir to the throne, but he also held the title of Lieutenant of the Realm, giving him a formal leadership role in the government.

Rothesay’s early political career was marred by scandal. In 1399, Rothesay was engaged to Elizabeth Dunbar, the daughter of the powerful Earl of March. However, Rothesay abruptly broke off the engagement to marry Marjorie Douglas, the daughter of the Earl of Douglas. This decision infuriated the Earl of March, who took his grievances to the English king, Henry IV. The fallout from this broken betrothal further destabilized relations between Scotland and England, weakening Rothesay’s political standing and creating enemies at home and abroad.

At the same time, Rothesay’s financial mismanagement and irresponsible behavior became a source of tension at court. His inability to control his expenditures, paired with his frequent involvement in scandals, gave Albany the ammunition he needed to undermine his nephew’s reputation. Rothesay’s position was precarious, and the more his behavior spiraled out of control, the more Albany seemed poised to strike.

The Fall of Rothesay

The turning point in Rothesay’s life came in 1402 when his father, King Robert III, was too ill to govern, and Rothesay’s role as Lieutenant of the Realm became more prominent. However, this was also when Albany made his move against his nephew. Fearing Rothesay’s potential to challenge his control of the kingdom, Albany, alongside Archibald, Earl of Douglas, conspired to neutralize Rothesay once and for all.

Under the pretext of protecting the kingdom from Rothesay’s reckless governance, Albany and Douglas arrested Rothesay and imprisoned him in Falkland Palace in Fife. Here, in the spring of 1402, Rothesay met his end under mysterious circumstances. The official cause of death was reported as dysentery, but rumors immediately spread that Rothesay had been deliberately starved to death by his uncle Albany.

The death of the young duke at just 24 years old sent shockwaves through Scotland. For many, it seemed obvious that Albany had orchestrated his nephew’s demise to ensure that no rival could challenge his power. Rothesay’s father, Robert III, was heartbroken by the loss of his son. It is said that he lamented, “They have cut my right hand off.” Already in failing health, Robert III’s grief over Rothesay’s death hastened his own decline, and he passed away in 1406, leaving the throne to his younger son, James I, who was only 12 years old at the time and immediately captured by the English.

Legacy of Rothesay

The tragic life of David Stewart, Duke of Rothesay, remains a compelling story of youthful potential squandered by personal flaws and political betrayal. His death marked the end of a bright but troubled chapter in Scottish royal history. Rothesay’s short life serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by heirs to the throne in medieval Scotland, where power struggles among nobles often led to deadly outcomes.

Although Rothesay never became king, his legacy lived on through his younger brother, James I, who would eventually claim the throne and attempt to restore order in a kingdom left fractured by years of political infighting. Yet, Rothesay’s tragic story highlights the difficulty of navigating the dangerous waters of Scottish politics, where even a prince with the best of intentions could find himself ensnared by intrigue and treachery.

In the end, Rothesay’s life was a cautionary tale about the perils of power, ambition, and youthful excess. His tragic fate was a turning point in Scottish history, one that set the stage for the rise of his brother James, but also left a dark shadow over the Stewart dynasty.

Adapted From: Marshall, H. E. (1906). Scotland's story: A history of Scotland for boys and girls. T.C. & E.C. Jack.