Margaret of Scotland

Margaret of Scotland, also known as Margrét Alexandersdóttir in Old Norse, Margrete Alexandersdotter in Norwegian, and Maighread Nic Rìgh Alasdair in Scottish Gaelic, was the Queen of Norway through her marriage to King Eric II. She is sometimes referred to as the Maid of Scotland to avoid confusion with her daughter, who became known as Margaret, Maid of Norway, and later ascended to the Scottish throne.

Born at Windsor Castle, Margaret was the eldest child of King Alexander III of Scotland and his first wife, Margaret of England. Her marriage to Eric II was part of a political strategy to alleviate tensions between Norway and Scotland. Despite her cultural background and efforts to educate her husband, she faced challenges at the Norwegian court, particularly from her mother-in-law, Ingeborg of Denmark. Her only child, also named Margaret, was born just before her own death at the age of 22, and subsequently became the heir to the Scottish throne.