WI George Villiers the duke of Buckingham lived

So as we all know George Villiers was one of the most powerful and richest men in england. So here is my question, WI George survives the assasinaion attempt on him by Felton. How would this man change history were he to survive and continue to dutifully follow Charles orders. What changes can we expect in English history??
 
First, without his assasination, it is likely that Villiers, Duke of Buckingham would have led the second fleet sent to relieve La Rochelle from the siege. I doubt that he would have had more success than in his first attempt, although he may very well have actually fought a battle, rather than retire at the first sign of resistance, as the new leader of the second fleet did.

Beyond the Siege of La Rochelle, I think Buckingham's main significance would be as another cause of tension between King Charles I and Parliament. Parliament had already launched several inquiries into Buckingham's disastrous military expeditions; when those inquiries concluded it is likely they would have demanded that Buckingham be excluded from government. Charles II would either agree to this, or more likely, refuse. An earlier breakdown in Royal-Parliamentary relations could lead to an earlier personal rule of Charles II.

In the event of a civil war, it is possible that Buckingham would hold military commands for the King. Since Buckingham never led a successful military expedition, it is likely that he would have hurt the royal cause with his conduct.
 
Actually, upon further thought Villiers might have been a shoe in for lord lieutenant of Ireland. He was Charles' leading minister before his death, a position eventually taken by the Earl of Strafford. With Villiers still alive, it is likely that, if he retained his position, he would have assumed the rule of Ireland in the name of the King, and probably suffered the same fate as Strafford (sentenced to death by Parliament, and had his death warrant signed by the King)
 
So as we all know George Villiers was one of the most powerful and richest men in england. So here is my question, WI George survives the assasinaion attempt on him by Felton. How would this man change history were he to survive and continue to dutifully follow Charles orders. What changes can we expect in English history??

Well, The Three Musketeers would have had one fewer charge against Milady, even though this isn't quite "English" history.
 
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