Mary Stuart Returns to Scotland

Timeline

1. 1560–1561France · FranceAfter her husband François II died in December 1560, Mary lost her status as Queen of France. Through negotiations between her mother Mary of Guise and the Scottish regency council, she decided to forgo her potential claim to the French throne and return to Scotland to rule in person.
2. 1561Leith · LothianMary arrived by fleet at the Scottish port of Leith on August 19, 1561, ending thirteen years of residence in France. Local Protestant forces and Catholic supporters both greeted her, in a scene that was complex and delicate.
3. 1561Edinburgh · LothianMary entered Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh and began ruling as an adult queen. She attempted to maintain the Catholic faith in Scotland where Protestantism was already established, while also dealing with complex relations with Elizabeth I of England and domestic nobles.