Charles I

Charles I, the second son of James VI of Scotland and Anne of Denmark, was born at Dunfermline Palace.

Upon his father's accession to the English throne as James I, Charles becomes Duke of Albany, among other titles.

Charles is created Duke of York, following the tradition for the second son of the monarch.

After the death of his elder brother, Henry, Charles becomes the heir apparent to the thrones of England, Scotland, and Ireland.

Charles is formally created Prince of Wales and Earl of Chester, solidifying his position as the heir to the throne.

Charles begins to engage more actively in politics and state affairs, learning the ropes of governance.

Charles travels to Spain with the Duke of Buckingham to negotiate a marriage with the Spanish Infanta, but the negotiations fail.

Charles marries Henrietta Maria of France, a Catholic princess, in a private ceremony at Notre-Dame de Paris.

Charles ascends to the throne upon the death of his father, King James I, and is crowned King of England, Scotland, and Ireland.

Charles dissolves Parliament and begins a period of personal rule, known as the Eleven Years' Tyranny, without summoning Parliament.

Charles attempts to impose the English Book of Common Prayer on Scotland, leading to widespread resistance and the Bishops' Wars.

Facing financial difficulties and military defeats in Scotland, Charles recalls Parliament to raise funds, leading to increased tensions.

Charles raises the royal standard at Nottingham, marking the official start of the English Civil War against Parliament.

Charles is decisively defeated at the Battle of Naseby by the Parliamentarian forces, a turning point in the English Civil War.

Charles surrenders to the Scottish forces at Newark, hoping they will support his cause against Parliament, but he is eventually handed over to Parliament.

Charles I is executed by beheading outside the Banqueting House at Whitehall, marking the end of the English monarchy for a decade.