King James, known as King James VI of Scotland and King James I of England, was already married to Anne of Denmark in 1607 and did not marry anyone new that year. Their royal wedding took place nearly two decades earlier, establishing a significant union for both kingdoms.
Anne of Denmark: King James's Queen Consort
Anne of Denmark (Danish: Anna) was the wife of King James VI and I. Born on December 12, 1574, she played a crucial role as Queen Consort during a pivotal period in British history. Her life spanned until March 2, 1619.
The Royal Nuptials: When King James Married Anne
The marriage between King James and Anne of Denmark occurred on August 20, 1589. This means that by 1607, they had been married for 18 years. Their union brought a new queen to the Scottish throne, and later, to the English and Irish thrones.
Anne's Queenship and Influence
Anne of Denmark held significant royal titles throughout her marriage to King James:
- Queen of Scotland: She became Queen of Scotland immediately upon her marriage on August 20, 1589.
- Queen of England and Ireland: Following the union of the Scottish and English crowns on March 24, 1603, Anne also became Queen of England and Ireland. This marked the beginning of her reign as Queen of Great Britain, a title she held until her death in 1619.
Her presence as Queen of both Scotland and the newly united kingdoms underscored the dynastic shift and the close personal ties that followed James's ascension to the English throne.
Key Dates for King James and Anne of Denmark
To clarify the timeline of their marriage relative to the year 1607, consider the following key dates:
Event | Date | Significance |
---|---|---|
Anne of Denmark's Birth | December 12, 1574 | Future Queen Consort |
Marriage to King James | August 20, 1589 | Anne becomes Queen of Scotland |
Union of Crowns | March 24, 1603 | King James I ascends English throne; Anne becomes Queen of England and Ireland |
Year in Question | 1607 | King James was already married to Anne of Denmark |
Anne of Denmark's Death | March 2, 1619 | End of her queenship |
This timeline clearly shows that King James's marriage to Anne of Denmark predated 1607 by many years, confirming he did not marry anyone in 1607.