David II of Scotland

David II was King of Scotland from 1329 until his death in 1371. He ascended the throne at the age of five following the death of his father, Robert the Bruce, and was crowned at Scone in November 1331. During his early reign, he was forced into exile in France after the Battle of Halidon Hill in 1333 and returned to Scotland in 1341.

In 1346, David II invaded England in support of France during the Hundred Years' War but was captured at the Battle of Neville's Cross. He was held prisoner in England for eleven years, during which time his nephew Robert Stewart governed Scotland. The Treaty of Berwick in 1357 allowed David to return to Scotland after a ransom was agreed upon, leading to heavy taxation that caused discontent among his subjects.

David II's attempts to secure the succession of the Scottish throne included proposing to bequeath the throne to Edward III of England or one of his sons, but this was rejected by the Scottish parliament. His marriage to Margaret Drummond did not produce an heir, and he attempted to divorce her when she failed to bear children.

David II died unexpectedly of natural causes at the age of 46 at Edinburgh Castle and was buried at Holyrood Abbey. He was succeeded by his nephew, Robert II, as David left no children.