Charles Stuart, Duke of Cambridge (1677)

Charles Stuart was born on November 7, 1677. He was the first son of James, Duke of York, who later became James II of England and VII of Scotland, and Mary of Modena. Charles was given the title Duke of Cambridge, though he was never officially created with that title because he passed away very young.

He was one of seven children in the family but sadly lived only for about one month. Charles died on December 12, 1677, just a little over a month after he was born.

Because he lived such a short life, Charles did not have a chance to play a big role in history like some of his siblings or parents did. Still, he is remembered as part of the Stuart royal family. You can read about another member of the family, Charles Stuart, Duke of Cambridge (born 1660), to learn more.

Life

Charles Stuart was born at St James's Palace in November 1677. At the time, his uncle, Charles II of England, had no children, and his aunt, Catherine of Braganza, was older and unlikely to have any. This meant Charles was next in line to become king after his father, the Duke of York (later King James II).

However, Charles lived only a little over a month. He passed away in December 1677 and was buried in Westminster Abbey. His younger brother, James Francis Edward Stuart, was born later.

Arms

During his short life, Charles had a special coat of arms. As a grandson of a British king, his coat of arms was different from the kingdom’s usual design. It had a silver label with five ermine spots to show he was part of the royal family.