Sophia Stuart facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sophia Stuart |
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Posthumous etching by Richard Gaywood
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| Born | 22 June 1606 Greenwich Palace, London, Kingdom of England |
| Died | 23 June 1606 (aged 0) Greenwich Palace, London, England |
| Burial | 26 June 1606 Westminster Abbey |
| House | Stuart |
| Father | James I |
| Mother | Anne of Denmark |
| Religion | Protestant |
Sophia Stuart was a baby princess born on June 22, 1606, at Palace of Placentia in Greenwich, England. She was the fourth daughter and the last of nine children of James VI and I, who was King of England, Scotland, and Ireland, and his wife, Anne of Denmark. Sadly, Princess Sophia lived for only one day, passing away on June 23, 1606.
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The Birth of Princess Sophia
Princess Sophia was born at Greenwich Palace, also known as the Palace of Placentia. Her mother, Queen Anne, prepared for the birth in May 1606. She had special linen and lace bought for her "lying-in," which was a period of rest after childbirth.
Sophia was born early on Sunday, June 22, 1606. Queen Anne was helped by a midwife named Alice Dennis and a doctor named Peter Chamberlen. This same team had also helped with the birth of Sophia's sister, Mary Stuart, a year earlier. Dr. Chamberlen is believed to have invented special tools called birthing forceps. Queen Anne gave him a diamond ring to thank him for his help.
Sophia's Baptism and Burial
Sadly, baby Sophia became "very weak" soon after she was born. She was baptized by James Montague, who was a high-ranking church official. Sophia was named after her grandmother, Sophie of Mecklenburg-Güstrow.
Because she was the ninth and last child of King James I and Queen Anne, her body was carried on the River Thames in a special boat. The boat was covered with black velvet. She was buried in Westminster Abbey on June 26, 1606.
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A Tournament That Was Cancelled
Before Sophia's birth, there were plans for a big tournament at Greenwich. This event was meant to celebrate the birth and baptism of the new royal baby. A fun challenge was announced on June 1, 1606, by "Four Knights Errant of the Fortunate Island." King James found the announcement very funny.
Sophia's uncle, Christian IV of Denmark, was expected to come and watch the tournament. However, because Princess Sophia passed away so soon after her birth, the event was cancelled.
Royal Family Grieves
Christian IV of Denmark still came to England. On July 18, he visited his sister, Queen Anne, at Greenwich. She was still grieving and staying in her private rooms. King James entertained Christian IV at another palace called Theobalds.
On August 3, Queen Anne had a private church ceremony at Greenwich. This ceremony was a tradition for mothers after childbirth. Before leaving England, Christian IV and King James even competed in a sport called running at the ring.
Sophia's Monument at Westminster Abbey
Princess Sophia's monument at Westminster Abbey looks like a stone crib. It was designed by an artist named Maximilian Colt. Another artist, John de Critz, painted and gilded it. The tomb is beautifully carved with details that look like lacework and an embroidered velvet cover.
The monument has a Latin message carved on it. It means: "Sophia, a royal rosebud, was taken too soon by fate. She was snatched away from her parents, James, King of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, and Queen Anne. She lies here to bloom again in the rose garden of Christ. June 23rd, 4th year of the reign of King James 1606."
