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

The Queen's message to TeamGB and Commonwealth athletes following the 2020 Olympic Games

The skill, determination and hard work shown by the athletes and their support teams throughout the unique and challenging circumstances of the last year has been an...

09 August 2021
Feature

The Duke of Kent reflects on his Presidency of the All England Lawn Tennis Club in an article for The Telegraph

His Royal Highness reflects on what makes the championships so special
Press release 06 July 2021

Announcement of a new Governor General of Canada

Read more
Media pack

Financial reports 2020-21

The Royal Household today published its annual financial statement, the Sovereign Grant Report, for the financial year 2020-21.

Press release 22 June 2021

Swan Upping 2021

Read more
Feature

Platinum Jubilee Emblem Competition launched

On behalf of The Queen, The V&A has launched a competition for budding UK artists
Press release 04 June 2021

The Queen's Official Birthday

Read more
Feature

The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Central Weekend 2022

A central weekend of events and festivities will mark HM's 70 years on the throne.
Feature

The Queen's Jubilees and other milestones

Find out more about how Her Majesty's reign has been celebrated at key moments.
Feature

A history of Jubilees

Royal Jubilees are an occasion to celebrate the life and reign of a Monarch.

A speech delivered by Prince William as Lord High Commissioner during the Opening Ceremony of the CofS

A speech delivered by Prince William in his role as Lord High Commissioner during the Opening Ceremony of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.

22 May 2021

Message to the people of Northern Ireland

Across generations, the people of Northern Ireland are choosing to build an inclusive, prosperous, and hopeful society, strengthened by the gains of the peace process.

02 May 2021
Feature

The Patriarchs – An Elegy

By Simon Armitage, the Poet Laureate

A message from The Earl of Wessex on the legacy of his father, The Duke of Edinburgh.

I, like all my family, have a lifetime of lasting impressions.

15 April 2021

A speech by The Duke of Edinburgh on ‘Inter-face / User and Machine' at the RSA Conference, 6 November 2002

I think it is pretty well known that I have always been a great supporter of science and engineering and I have considerable respect for the technologies, which they have...

06 November 2002

A message from The Duke of Cambridge following the death of The Duke of Edinburgh

My grandfather’s century of life was defined by service – to his country and Commonwealth, to his wife and Queen, and to our family.

12 April 2021

A statement from The Princess Royal following the death of The Duke of Edinburgh

It is his example of a life well lived and service freely given that I most wanted to emulate.

11 April 2021
Feature

Mourning

Information about National and Royal Mourning

A message from Her Majesty The Queen to mark Greece's Bicentenary Independence Day celebrations

On the significant occasion of the 200th anniversary of the beginning of the Greek War of Independence, I would like to convey to Your Excellency my congratulations, together...

25 March 2021

A message of condolence from Her Majesty The Queen to the people of Tanzania

Prince Philip and I were saddened to learn of the death of President John Magufuli. I wish to convey my condolences to his loved ones and my deepest sympathy to the people of...

19 March 2021

The Queen's Commonwealth Day Message 2021

Stirring examples of courage, commitment and selfless dedication to duty have been demonstrated in every Commonwealth nation and territory.

07 March 2021

The tenth anniversary of the Christchurch earthquakes

While there are many sad memories of that terrible time, there is also solace in remembering how your community rose to the challenge of rebuilding your lives and supporting...

22 February 2021
News

A Royal Recipe for Pancakes

16 February 2021
News

#PoWNatureChallenge

15 February 2021