Alexander, Prince of Scotland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Alexander of Scotland |
|
|---|---|
| Born | 21 January 1264 |
| Died | 28 January 1284 (aged 20) |
| Burial | Dunfermline Abbey |
| Spouse | Margaret of Flanders |
| House | Dunkeld |
| Father | Alexander III of Scotland |
| Mother | Margaret of England |
Alexander (born 21 January 1264 – died 28 January 1284) was a Scottish prince. He was the son of Alexander III of Scotland, the King of Scotland. Alexander was expected to become king one day, but sadly, he passed away before he could take the throne.
Who Was Prince Alexander?
Prince Alexander was born on 21 January 1264. He was the second child of King Alexander III and Margaret of England. His older sister was named Margaret. He also had a younger brother named David.
The King wanted to make sure young Alexander was well-prepared for his future role.
- In 1270, Alexander was given the title of Earl of Fife. This was a special role while the real Earl, Duncan III, was still a child.
- Later, Alexander also became the Lord of Mann. This gave him money and a special "royal-like" position. It also showed the people of the island that Scottish rule would be fair and strong.
A Royal Wedding
Prince Alexander's mother, Queen Margaret, died in 1275. The royal family stayed close to their uncle, King Edward I of England.
In 1281, Alexander's younger brother, David, passed away. That same year, his sister Margaret married King Eric II of Norway. This meant Alexander was the only son left.
King Alexander III then focused on finding a good wife for his son. In 1281, he started talking with Guy, Count of Flanders. They arranged for Prince Alexander to marry the Count's daughter, who was also named Margaret.
The wedding took place on 14 November 1282. The celebration was held the next day in Roxburgh.
A Sad Loss
In 1283, Prince Alexander's sister, Margaret, died in Norway. She passed away while giving birth. This made Alexander the only surviving child of the King of Scotland.
Just a week after his twentieth birthday, on 28 January 1284, Prince Alexander also died. He was buried at Dunfermline Abbey.
By April, it was clear that his wife, Margaret, was not going to have a baby. This meant that his sister's daughter, Margaret, Maid of Norway, became the next in line to the throne. She was called the "heir presumptive."
King Alexander III then quickly decided to marry again. He chose Yolanda of Dreux. However, King Alexander III himself died in 1286.
