James II

James II, future King of England, Scotland, and Ireland, was born to King Charles I and Henrietta Maria of France.

At the outbreak of the English Civil War, James is separated from his family and taken to Oxford.

James escapes from Oxford to the Netherlands, where he joins his mother and other family members in exile.

James's father, King Charles I, is executed, deeply affecting the young prince and shaping his future political views.

James joins the Royal Navy, serving under Admiral Robert Blake and gaining valuable military experience during the First Anglo-Dutch War.

With the restoration of the monarchy, James returns to England and is reunited with his brother, King Charles II.

James is created Duke of York and Albany and Earl of Ulster, solidifying his position in the royal hierarchy.

James secretly converts to Catholicism, a decision that will later lead to significant political and religious conflicts.

James marries Mary of Modena, a Catholic princess, which further alienates him from the Protestant majority in England.

The Exclusion Crisis erupts, with Parliament attempting to exclude James from the line of succession due to his Catholic faith.

James II ascends to the throne upon the death of his brother, King Charles II, facing immediate challenges from Protestant opponents.

James II begins implementing pro-Catholic policies, including the repeal of the Test Act and the appointment of Catholics to key positions.

The Glorious Revolution begins as William of Orange invades England, leading to James II's overthrow and exile.

James II flees to France, where he is granted refuge by King Louis XIV, marking the end of his reign.

James II dies in exile at the Palace of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France, still claiming the English throne until his last breath.