Mary Stewart, Queen of Scots was born on December 8, 1542, and became queen when she was just six days old after the death of her father, James V of Scotland. She was raised in the French court and married Francis II of France, but he died young. Mary returned to Scotland in 1561 to rule a country divided by religious conflict. Her reign was marked by political struggles, including her rivalry with Elizabeth I of England. In 1567, Mary was forced to abdicate in favor of her son, James VI of Scotland. After seeking refuge in England, she was imprisoned for 19 years before her execution in 1587.