The House of Stewart had gained the throne of Scotland by the marriage of Marjorie Bruce daughter of Robert the Bruce to the high steward of Scotland.

• 信仰天主教，为苏格兰贵族和加尔文教徒所不满。1567年被废黜，次年逃入英格兰，后西班牙国王勾结英格兰天主教势力，图谋扶持她夺取英格兰王位。