Stuart family tree
Originally spelled Stewart, this royal house was founded in Scotland by Robert II when he began his reign in 1371. Mary Queen of Scots changed the spelling of the house to Stuart while she was living in France as the ‘w’ was apparently too difficult for French pronunciation! Since then, this has been the official spelling for the Royal House of Stuart.
When Elizabeth I died, the succession of the English monarchy passed to her distant cousin, King James VI of Scotland, joining the Scottish and English thrones.
This made him King James I of England and Ireland & King James VI of Scotland…. or James I & VI for short. This family tree of the English Stuart line begins with his reign.