Euphemia de Ross facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Euphemia de Ross |
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Euphemia depicted in the Forman Armorial, produced in 1562 for her descendant Mary, Queen of Scots
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| Queen consort of Scotland | |
| Tenure | 1371–1386 |
| Coronation | 26 March 1371 |
| Born | 1329 Cromarty Castle, Cromartyshire, Scotland |
| Died | 1386 |
| Spouse | John Randolph, 3rd Earl of Moray |
| Issue | David Stewart, 1st Earl of Caithness Walter Stewart, 1st Earl of Atholl Margaret Stewart Elizabeth Stewart, Countess of Crawford Egidia Stewart |
| House | Ross |
| Father | Hugh, Earl of Ross |
| Mother | Margaret de Graham |
Euphemia de Ross (1329–1386) was a Scottish noblewoman who became the Queen of Scots. She was the second wife of Robert II of Scotland. Euphemia was a member of Clan Ross, an important Scottish family.
Contents
Life of Queen Euphemia
Early Life and First Marriage
Euphemia was born in 1329. Her father was Hugh, Earl of Ross, and her mother was Margaret de Graham. Euphemia first married John Randolph, 3rd Earl of Moray. They did not have any children together. Her first husband died in 1346. After his death, Euphemia remained a widow for nine years.
Marriage to Robert Stewart
On May 2, 1355, Euphemia married Robert Stewart. Robert was the only son of Marjorie Bruce, who was the daughter of the famous King Robert I of Scotland (also known as Robert The Bruce). Interestingly, Robert Stewart had previously been a joint leader of Scotland with Euphemia's first husband, John Randolph.
There was a small problem with their marriage because Robert and Euphemia were distantly related. To make sure their marriage was officially recognized by the Catholic Church, they needed special permission from Pope Innocent VI. This permission is called a papal dispensation.
Robert had children from his first marriage to Elizabeth Mure. Because of how their family lines connected, some people questioned if Robert's first marriage was fully legitimate. This led to disagreements later about who should inherit the throne. Both sets of Robert's children, from his first marriage and with Euphemia, believed they had a strong claim to be the next ruler.
Children of Euphemia and Robert
Euphemia and Robert had four children together. They also had many grandchildren. Their children were:
- David Stewart, 1st Earl of Caithness (born 1357, died before 1389). He married Euphemia Lindsay.
- Walter Stewart, 1st Earl of Atholl (born 1360, died 1437). He married Margaret Barclay.
- Elizabeth Stewart, Countess of Crawford. She married David Lindsay, 1st Earl of Crawford.
- Egidia Stewart. She married Sir William Douglas of Nithsdale.
Becoming Queen of Scots
In 1371, Robert II became the King of Scotland. He took the throne after his uncle, David II of Scotland, passed away without any children. When Robert became king, Euphemia became the Queen of Scots. She served as queen for about fifteen years until her death in 1386.
