History books love a hero. They crave the grit of Robert the Bruce or the tragic flair of Mary, Queen of Scots. But then there’s Robert II of Scotland.
He’s the guy who finally got the keys to the kingdom at 55. In the 14th century, that was basically ancient. Most of his contemporaries were already in the ground, but Robert Stewart was just getting started. He wasn't some dashing warrior-king from a movie; he was a survivor who outlasted his rivals through a mix of sheer patience and a very busy personal life.
Honestly, he's often dismissed as "the king who did nothing." That’s a massive oversimplification. He didn't just stumble into the throne; he sat in the wings for fifty years, watching, waiting, and plotting while his uncle, David II, tried his best to keep him away from it.
The Long Wait for the Crown
Imagine being the heir for five decades. It’s kinda wild. Robert was born in 1316 to Marjorie Bruce, the daughter of the legendary Robert the Bruce. His mother died almost immediately after his birth—legend says she was thrown from a horse and he was delivered by a crude, emergency C-section. Talk about a rough start.
Because the Bruce had no sons at the time, baby Robert was the next in line. Then, David II was born in 1324, and Robert was bumped.
He didn't just pout, though. During the long years when David was a prisoner of the English or hiding out in France, Robert stepped up. He served as Guardian of Scotland multiple times. This gave him a taste of power, but it also put him at odds with his uncle. When David finally came back from English captivity, he tried to sell the Scottish throne to the English King Edward III just to get out of paying his ransom.
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Robert said absolutely not.
He led the noble opposition against his own uncle to keep Scotland independent. By the time David died unexpectedly in 1371, Robert was more than ready. He was the first of the Stewart dynasty, a line of kings that would eventually rule not just Scotland, but all of Britain.
Why Robert II of Scotland Still Matters
You've probably heard of the "Stewart" or "Stuart" name. That all starts here. Robert wasn't a military aggressor like his grandfather. Instead, he was a master of "family politics."
Basically, he had a ton of kids.
We’re talking at least 21 children, both legitimate and otherwise. To some historians, this was a disaster waiting to happen. To Robert, it was a strategy. He married his daughters into the most powerful families in the country—the Douglases, the Rosses, the Dunbars. He gave his sons massive earldoms. He created a web of Stewart influence that covered almost every corner of Scotland.
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The Problem with the "Steward" Title
People called him "The Steward." It sounds like a glorified waiter, right?
Actually, the High Steward was one of the most powerful offices in the land. It’s where the surname Stewart comes from. By the time Robert took the throne, the Stewarts weren't just servants; they were the establishment.
The Messy Reality of His Marriages
If you think modern celebrity drama is complicated, Robert II of Scotland takes the cake. His first "marriage" to Elizabeth Mure was... legally questionable.
They lived together for years and had a bunch of kids before they actually got a papal dispensation to marry. This created a massive headache for the next century. The children from his second marriage (to Euphemia de Ross) eventually argued that the first batch of kids—including the future Robert III—were illegitimate.
This wasn't just gossip. It led to internal feuds that nearly tore the kingdom apart.
What Really Happened in His Final Years?
By the 1380s, the "old king" was losing his grip. He was nearly blind and, frankly, tired of the constant border wars with England. His eldest son, John (the Earl of Carrick), and his second son, Robert (the Earl of Fife), started pushing him aside.
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In 1384, a sort of "bloodless coup" happened. The nobles basically told the King he wasn't fit to lead the courts or the army anymore. They appointed Carrick as guardian.
It’s easy to look at this and see a weak man. But look at the context. Robert II had successfully transitioned Scotland from the chaotic "Bruce" era into a stable, if rowdy, Stewart era. He died in 1390 at Dundonald Castle, the place where he was born.
Actionable Insights: Lessons from the First Stewart King
Robert II might not have won many battles, but he won the long game. If you’re looking to understand Scottish history beyond the Braveheart tropes, here is how to view his legacy:
- Longevity is a Strategy: Robert survived the Black Death, multiple wars, and a hostile uncle. Sometimes, just staying in the game is the most important part of winning it.
- Soft Power over Hard Power: While David II tried to rule by force, Robert ruled through alliances and marriages. He turned his family into a political machine.
- The Importance of Legitimacy: The drama over his first marriage shows that "technicalities" in law and tradition can haunt a legacy for generations.
To truly get a feel for the man, visit Dundonald Castle in Ayrshire. It’s a ruin now, but it was his favorite residence. Standing in the Great Hall, you can almost see the aging king surrounded by his dozens of children, quietly building the dynasty that would change the British Isles forever.
Don't just take the "weak king" narrative at face value. Robert II was the ultimate survivor. He played the hand he was dealt for fifty years before he ever wore the crown, and in the end, he was the one who got the last laugh.