Prince Alexander of Scotland

Alexander was born on 21 January 1264 as the second child and elder son of King Alexander III of Scotland and Margaret of England. His birth followed that of a sister named Margaret and was succeeded by a brother named David. The Scottish crown made sure Alexander was established, making him Earl of Fife in 1270 during Duncan III’s minority and later Lord of Mann, enhancing his stature and assuring efficient Scottish rule over the island.

Following the death of his mother in 1275, Alexander maintained a close relationship with his maternal uncle, King Edward I of England. His brother David died in 1281, and his sister married King Eric II of Norway the same year. King Alexander III focused on arranging a suitable marriage for his son, culminating in Alexander’s marriage to Margaret of Flanders on 14 November 1282. Alexander’s death on 28 January 1284 left his niece, Margaret, Maid of Norway, as the heir presumptive after it was clear his widow was not pregnant.