Did Mary, Queen of Scots have an affair with Bothwell?

[@Sweetblossom123]

Here is what I have never understood. When Darnley and his companions murdered Rizzio, I have read that they also threatened the pregnant Mary. SHE was Queen, carrying the heir. Darnley had never been elevated to king status. He was still Lord Darnley. Could she not have had him arrested and tried for treason for threatening the life of the Queen and the heir? If so, then why a dark scheme to murder him when he could have been legally dispatched. Any insight on this is greatly appreciated.

[@Susan17578]

I loved the insights into MQOS. Her ability to bridge the relationship between Scotland, France & England must have weighed on Elizabeth. Thank you, Philippa!

[@BritishHistory]

I think so too. You’re so welcome Susan x

[@cindygrubbs5856]

Thank you, Phillipa! This was very informative! ❤

[@alisonridout]

Thank you Philippa. Enjoyed this. I never knew about Mary's miscarriage until today. Alison

[@pamelaoliver8442]

Politics aside, Mary's physical description alone explains (at least in part) why Elizabeth must have been somewhat intimidated by her. I can't imagine the Tudor ego...and make no mistake she had it..would suffer someone like that. Oh had they met and to have been a fly on that wall!! 🏵️

[@Chipoo88]

Thank you! Mary couldn’t have known she was pregnant until a number of weeks had passed. They generally felt they can be sure of their pregnancies after the quickening, many weeks in. Concealing a pregnancy at 20+ weeks wouldn’t have been difficult under several layers of clothing in a very cold Scotland. A pregnancy at a few weeks will not determine that it was twins without modern equipment. All this to me indicates the babies were Darnley’s. I also believe she was raped and had to marry Bothwell as a result. It makes no sense why she would otherwise. She had every support in the facts mentioned here above that they were not Bothwell’s babies so she would have been in a perfect situation to be seen as grieving pregnant widow queen that would have won sympathy. Jeopardizing all that to marry Bothwell voluntarily doesn’t make sense. I don’t think Mary was stupid. Nor was marrying Darnley stupid since this strengthened her claim to the English throne 😊. I also don’t believe Elizabeth’s decision not to help Mary had anything to do with her own suspicions about her involvement in the murder. She thought of her (and she was) a big massive threat to her throne and wanted to neutralize her

[@amykortuem5554]

Thank you for this information. I’m never able to come to a decision about Mary Queen of Scots. I’m torn between sympathy for her many abuses and misfortunes…and disbelief at the questionable decisions she makes that all go against her being seen as a strong, reliable queen. Tragic, though, and fascinating.

[@ffotograffydd]

I’m confused by your comment that James V died of battle wounds. Every source I can find says he died of a fever, likely caused by cholera or dysentery.

[@ChewingGums]

I never knew how Mary Queen of Scots could have drawn us to a potential peace with France its actually quite a significant factor that I don't think is very common knowledge among people. I Wanted to watch live but unfortunately was at work but thanks for the stream Philippa I'm gaining more knowledge every day haha

[@graphiquejack]

I'm not sure that Elizabeth would be too concerned about her reputation if she supported Mary's mission to regain her throne because of being seen to support a murderess and regicide, but rather because her Protestant subjects and allies in Europe would have been upset with her for supporting the Catholic Mary, instead of the Protestant lords who forced her to abdicate. As it was, Catholic Europe was outraged with her for imprisoning her (even though Elizabeth pretended it was for Mary's safety). She was going to be criticized no matter what she did, so she might as well support her allies, not the Catholic cause.