Mary Queen of Scots was a Scottish queen born in 1542. She became queen when she was just six days old after her father, James V of Scotland, died. Mary was raised in France and married the French king, Francis II. After his death, she returned to Scotland to rule, but her reign was troubled by political conflicts and religious tensions between Catholics and Protestants. Mary's life took a dramatic turn when she was imprisoned by her cousin, Elizabeth I of England, due to fears that she would claim the English throne. After 19 years in captivity, she was executed in 1587, becoming a tragic figure in history.