Duncan II (r.1094)

The eldest son of Malcolm III by his first wife Ingibjorg, Duncan spent 15 years as a hostage in England before being released by William II in 1087.

Aged about 34 when he deposed his uncle, Donald III, with English help, Duncan was in effect an English vassal and, as such, he was unpopular in Scotland. 



Duncan was killed by the Mormaer of the Mearns on 12 November 1094, presumably at Donald's instigation. His reign had lasted for about six months. It was he who granted the earliest surviving Scottish charter.

Related content

A speech by The Queen Consort at a literary reception to celebrate The Queen's Reading Room

Human beings have always needed the connection of literature – its wisdom as well as its sheer escapism. In today’s challenging climate, we need it more than ever.

23 February 2023

A message from His Majesty The King marking one year of conflict in Ukraine

I can only hope the outpouring of solidarity from across the globe may bring not only practical aid, but also strength from the knowledge that, together, we stand united.

24 February 2023

A speech delivered by The Prince of Wales during a St. David's Day parade for the Welsh Guards

I am both honoured and delighted to be standing here in front of you today as your new Colonel.

01 March 2023

A message from The King on Holocaust Memorial Day 2023

In learning from the horrors of the Holocaust and the genocides which followed, we can all recommit to the vital principles of freedom of conscience, generosity of spirit, and...

27 January 2023

Remarks by The Queen Consort at the opening of the Royal Osteoporosis Society's Bath City Centre offices

The modernisation, the technology, that has happened in osteoporosis is incredible. So let’s go from strength to strength and make it even better.

25 January 2023
Feature

The Coronation Weekend

Find out more about events to mark the Coronation Weekend in May.
The Coronation Weekend
Feature

Royal Recipe: Cranachan

The Royal Chefs have shared their Cranachan Recipe
Press release 21 January 2023

Coronation Weekend plans announced

Read more

The King's message following the plane crash in Pokhara, Nepal

Our special thoughts and prayers are with you and the people of Nepal at this time of immeasurable sorrow.

19 January 2023

A speech by The Queen Consort at the University of Aberdeen

Ladies and Gentlemen, you have a great past: 5 Nobel Laureates and 525 years of academic excellence. Your future, I know, will be greater still and, as your very proud...

18 January 2023
Press release 13 January 2023

The King's Gold Medal for Poetry 2022

Read more

The Queen Consort's message to mark 80 years of BFBS

You have done a huge amount to foster a true and profound sense of community amongst all those connected with the military family.

03 January 2023

A message of condolence from The King following the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

I remember with fondness my meeting with His Holiness during my visit to the Vatican in 2009.

31 December 2022