A query for you all, and in keeping with my recent Stuart theme. Charles, duke of Cambridge born 1660 was the first child of James II and Anne Hyde, conceived seven months before his parents married, had Henrietta Maria and Charles advisors had their way, he’d have been declared illegitimate. However, Charles II approved of James and Anne marriage and therefore he was born legitimate. He died in 1661 or smallpox.
My question is this, let’s say he never gets smallpox and lives onto his first birthday and beyond, what changes? James now has an heir, and with the birth of Mary in 1662 a daughter also. Would the pressure for sons still be there, or would it be relieved slightly? Would the rumours around his birth be there or not? And finally what does this do for the political situation, if he survives and marries and has children, during his uncles reign?
My question is this, let’s say he never gets smallpox and lives onto his first birthday and beyond, what changes? James now has an heir, and with the birth of Mary in 1662 a daughter also. Would the pressure for sons still be there, or would it be relieved slightly? Would the rumours around his birth be there or not? And finally what does this do for the political situation, if he survives and marries and has children, during his uncles reign?