Malcolm III King of Scotland

Malcolm III, also known as Máel Coluim mac Donnchada and nicknamed ‘Canmore’, ruled as King of Scotland from 1058 to 1093. His reign marked the precursor to the Scoto-Norman age. Malcolm III became the maternal grandfather of prominent 12th-century English political figures including Empress Matilda, William Adelin, and Matilda of Boulogne through his daughters’ marriages to Henry I of England and Eustace III of Boulogne. His kingdom’s boundaries were not coterminous with modern Scotland, as Norse influence prevailed in the islands and northern territories, and various realms existed to the south of the Firth of Forth. Malcolm III conducted at least five invasions into English territory and solidified the ruling lineage of Scotland that persisted until the late 13th century. His second wife, Margaret, was canonized as a saint in the 13th century, and he is featured in William Shakespeare’s play ‘Macbeth’.

Malcolm’s early life was marred by the death of his father, Duncan I, in battle against Macbeth. His subsequent exile is a subject of debate, with potential locations including the Kingdom of England, the court of Thorfinn Sigurdsson, Ireland, or Strathclyde. Malcolm’s return to power involved the death of Macbeth and his stepson Lulach, leading to his kingship. He possibly had two marriages, first to Ingibiorg Finnsdottir and later to Margaret of Wessex, with whom he had several children that would continue his legacy. His reign included periods of conflict and alliance with neighboring powers and provided refuge to English exiles, culminating in his marriage to Saint Margaret.