Third regency of Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany
Open-knowledge reference entry
Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany (1339–1420) was a younger son of Robert II of Scotland who as regent was de facto ruler of Scotland for several years during the reigns of Robert II, Robert III and James I. His third and longest period as regent was from 1402 until his death in 1420.
Start of third regency
He had experienced some ups and downs, including two earlier periods as regent, but his position became threatened during the reign of King Robert III of Scotland by the rise of the king's son, David, Duke of Rothesay.
The Duke of Rothesay died in Robert Duke of Albany's custody at Falkland Palace on 25 or 27 March 1402. Although it was claimed that David died of dysentery, most contemporaries believed that Robert had ordered his nephew David to be starved to death. Robert probably faced formal accusations of murdering his nephew during a general council, called to discuss David's death, which met in Edinburgh in May 1402. Archibald, 4th Earl of Douglas, was also viewed with suspicion for his role in David's death. Despite these tensions, Robert was able to dominate the proceedings of the council. Robert arrived in Edinburgh with a large number of his affinity, while Edinburgh Castle was already controlled and garrisoned by his ally, the Earl of Douglas. Robert forced his eldest brother, Robert III, to pardon him for David's death by declaring that David had died of natural causes. At the conclusion of the council, Robert was appointed as regent of Scotland for a period of two years.
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