James Scott English nobleman. Date of Birth: 09.04.1649 Country: Great Britain

1. The Enigmatic Birth of James, Duke of Monmouth
2. The Royal Recognition
3. The Suspected Paternity
4. The Lineage of Doubt
5. The Royal Recognition and Exclusion

The Enigmatic Birth of James, Duke of Monmouth

James Fitzroy, later known as the Duke of Monmouth, was born into a shroud of controversy and uncertainty. His mother, Lucy Walter, possessed a reputation equally tarnished with that of King James, and the paternity of Charles II's alleged son remained a subject of heated debate.

The Royal Recognition

According to Hugh Noel Williams' biographical studies, Lucy Walter gave birth to Monmouth on April 9, 1649, a period during which Charles II was reportedly engaged in a love affair with her. However, Charles' presence in The Hague until mid-September 1648 raised questions about his involvement in Monmouth's conception.

The Suspected Paternity

Instead of the king, Lucy Walter became involved with Colonel Robert Sidney, younger son of the 2nd Earl of Leicester, during the summer of 1648. Suspicions regarding Monmouth's true parentage arose early in his life. Contemporary accounts noted that as Monmouth grew older, his physical resemblance to Robert Sidney became increasingly evident, surpassing that of his supposed father, Charles. It was also rumored that Monmouth's exceptional beauty exceeded that of any of King Charles' children.

The Lineage of Doubt

If these suspicions held true, Monmouth would have been the nephew of Algernon Sidney and a descendant of the renowned poet Philip Sidney. Rumors circulated that Charles II had secretly married Lucy Walter and could potentially have legitimized James as the rightful heir to the throne. Yet, the king later made a written statement denying any marriage with anyone other than the queen.

The Royal Recognition and Exclusion

Regardless of the truth, Charles II publicly acknowledged Monmouth as his son but denied him the inheritance rights of a legitimate heir due to his illegitimate birth. James initially bore the surname Crofts, after William Crofts, from whom he acquired it.