How cash strapped was the royal family at this point?
If you do it at any point prior to 1688, then you slide it in before his potential Catholic brother and rival for the throne is even born and even have one or two of his own children having been born so the line of succession is well and truly solidified in the eyes of Parliament in the event that Dad does try and disinherit in favour of a Catholic line.
Given the slight elements of irregularity around his own birth I doubt if Marie de Bourbon is a contender. Both partners being legitimized could lower the standing of the royal bloodline
Yes but memories of royal births and marriages are long (That is what the College of Arms is for) and no one is naive enough to believe that His Royal Highness was a prematurely delivered two months child. The King (Charles) and ministers will want him married to someone of unquestionable provenance to enhance his royal standing and to make future dynastic matches more attractive.
Or just Sophia Charlotte![]()
Probably the King's personal preference unless he is concerned about too much inbreeding but Parliament and public opinion will be suspicious of a French marriage. If the Duke is as Protestant in his views as Mary and Anne he may not countenance a Catholic match and Charles or James wouldn't have the public support to force one on him. Charles is a crypto Catholic but reluctant to commit himself and James is an open and unpopular Catholic. Following the Civil Wars and potential for further unrest I doubt if they would push it. Indeed, with an adult male protestant Stuart some of the OTL intriguers who supported Monmouth or William might be arranging a hunting accident for James instead.
Probably the King's personal preference unless he is concerned about too much inbreeding but Parliament and public opinion will be suspicious of a French marriage. If the Duke is as Protestant in his views as Mary and Anne he may not countenance a Catholic match and Charles or James wouldn't have the public support to force one on him. Charles is a crypto Catholic but reluctant to commit himself and James is an open and unpopular Catholic. Following the Civil Wars and potential for further unrest I doubt if they would push it. Indeed, with an adult male protestant Stuart some of the OTL intriguers who supported Monmouth or William might be arranging a hunting accident for James instead.
If a Catholic match - and a French one at that - is proposed, perhaps they would not only demand conversion but expect that the bride be observed living as a Protestant for a defined period?
It's something I suggested in my King Maximillian entry in the List of Monarchs thread.
Woulds they? THey didn't demand it of Catherine of Braganza
But that was pre Civil War/Interregnum, before Parliament decides to start taking issue with Catholic inheritance of the throne.
No worries, if there’s a Portuguese bride available. I do think they’d go for herMy bad - I was getting my Stuart Queens mixed up!
Interesting thought. Would James II be more loyal to the dynasty or his legitimate right to the throne?I’m unsure, but Charles duke of Cambridge could pressure his fsther to abdicate if he hi is the man is running the risk of another war. Especially if he himself has children
Interesting thought. Would James II be more loyal to the dynasty or his legitimate right to the throne?