David Stuart duke of Rothesay

David Stuart, duke of Rothesay , 1378?-1402, Scottish prince; son and heir apparent of Robert III. On his father's accession (1390) to the throne, David became earl of Carrick and in 1398 duke of Rothesay. In 1399 he was made lieutenant of the kingdom by his invalid father and given sovereign powers for a three-year term, thus displacing the regency of his uncle Robert Stuart , 1st duke of Albany. In 1402, at the end of Rothesay's tenure of office, Albany and Archibald Douglas, 4th earl of Douglas, had him arrested and imprisoned. He died, under questionable circumstances, in their custody.

Rothesay, David Stewart, 1st duke of [S] (1378–1402). First son and heir of Robert III of Scotland. Known as earl of Carrick when his father succeeded, he was created duke in 1398, along with his uncle Robert, duke of Albany, presumably to hold the balance between them, as rivals. Rothesay gained the advantage in 1399 when he was appointed king's lieutenant for three years, giving him power on behalf of his incapacitated father. He beat off attacks by ‘Hotspur’ (Henry Percy) and by Henry IV himself. But early in 1402 he was seized on his way to St Andrews and died shortly after at Falkland. Though Albany was formally exonerated, suspicion lingered. Rothesay's death left his brother James to succeed on his father's death in 1406.

J. A. Cannon