On 8 December 1542, a baby girl was born in Linlithgow Palace as her father lay dying from wounds received in battle against the English at Solway Moss. James, hearing his wife had given birth to a girl, feared it would be the end of the Royal House of Stewart, little realising the dynasty would eventually claim the thrones of four countries - Scotland, England, Ireland and France. King James died within a week of Mary’s birth and the tiny infant was crowned Queen of Scots before her first birthday.
