King James V of Scotland firmly aligned himself with the pro-French, Catholic faction, resisting English influence during a critical phase of diplomatic realignments in Europe. His commitment to France was deeply rooted in the historic Auld Alliance, which bound Scotland and France against their mutual adversary, England.

Diplomatic Maneuvering and the Treaty of Rouen (1517)

As early as August 1517, under the terms of the Treaty of Rouen, France had pledged a royal bride for the Scottish king if the traditional Franco-Scottish alliance was upheld. However, fulfilling this promise proved complicated. The daughters of Francis I were either committed elsewhere or suffering from poor health, leaving the marriage issue unresolved.

James’s Marriage Negotiations Elsewhere (1529–1533)

Impatient and perhaps aiming to remind Francis of his obligations, James's diplomats, beginning in the summer of 1529, explored other potential marital alliances, notably with Catherine de' Medici, Duchess of Urbino (who later married the future French king Henry II), and Mary of Austria, Queen of Hungary and sister of Emperor Charles V.

Yet, these explorations also proved inconclusive. By February 1533, two French ambassadors, Guillaume du Bellay, sieur de Langes, and Etienne de Laigue, sieur de Beauvais, freshly returned from Scotland, informed the Venetian ambassador in London that James had shifted interest toward Christina of Denmark—again without reaching an agreement.

The Final Marriage Agreement: Mary of Bourbon (1536)

Ultimately, after prolonged diplomatic uncertainty and Francis I’s refusal due to concerns over his daughter Madeleine’s fragile health, an agreement was finalized on March 6, 1536, for James V to marry Mary of Bourbon, daughter of the Duke of Vendôme, a prominent branch of French nobility. Although Mary was not a princess of royal blood, Francis ensured she would receive a dowry equivalent to that of a French princess, reaffirming Scotland’s elevated standing in French diplomacy.

The marriage arrangement reinforced the diplomatic bonds underpinning the Auld Alliance, reflecting Scotland’s ongoing strategic commitment to France, while underscoring the intricate diplomatic landscape of European alliances during this period.

King James V Visits France (1536): Diplomacy and the Search for a Royal Bride

In pursuit of strengthening the Auld Alliance and securing a French royal marriage, Scotland's King James V embarks on a diplomatic mission to France. Departing from Kirkcaldy on September 1, 1536, James travels aboard the flagship Mary Willoughby, accompanied by a distinguished entourage of Scottish nobility and officials, including the Earl of Argyll, the Earl of Rothes, Lord Fleming, David Beaton (future cardinal), the Prior of Pittenweem, and the Laird of Drumlanrig, along with approximately five hundred attendants.

James first stops in Saint-Quentin in Picardy to visit Mary of Bourbon, daughter of the Duke of Vendôme, who had been formally contracted as his bride earlier in the year. However, James quickly moves southward, shifting his focus to direct negotiations with King Francis I himself, indicating that his intentions and preferences regarding a royal marriage may have evolved.

Diplomatic and Political Context

James's visit is more than ceremonial; it is politically charged and diplomatically sensitive. France and Scotland share historical ties through the Auld Alliance, a strategic partnership intended as mutual protection against England. By reaffirming this alliance in person and securing a royal marriage, James aims to solidify his position both domestically and internationally, aligning Scotland more closely with French interests and support.

Long-term Consequences

The visit results in a change of marriage plans. Rather than proceeding with Mary of Bourbon, James eventually marries Madeleine of Valois, King Francis's daughter, despite earlier concerns over her fragile health. This marriage reaffirms the strength of Franco-Scottish ties, even though Madeleine’s premature death shortly thereafter forces James to seek another French marriage, ultimately wedding Mary of Guise in 1538. This further deepens French influence in Scotland, setting the stage for the political and religious turmoil of subsequent decades.

King James V’s Diplomatic Visit: Hunting at Loches (October 1536)

During his extended diplomatic stay in France, King James V of Scotland strengthens personal and political bonds with the French royal family and prominent nobility. In October 1536, as part of this effort, James participates in a boar hunt at Loches, hosted by King Francis I. Accompanying them on this distinguished hunt are Francis, the Dauphin (the king’s eldest son and heir), Henry II d'Albret, King of Navarre, and the Italian cardinal and nobleman Ippolito II d'Este.

This hunting excursion, far more than mere recreation, serves as a symbol of camaraderie, trust, and mutual respect, strengthening the diplomatic bonds underlying the Auld Alliance between Scotland and France. It emphasizes the informal yet crucial role that social gatherings and leisure activities play in European diplomacy, allowing political leaders to negotiate sensitive matters in a relaxed and amicable atmosphere.

Broader Historical Context

The participation of such high-ranking individuals demonstrates the importance of James’s visit, highlighting his growing status in European politics and underlining the strategic partnership between France and Scotland. Additionally, the presence of Ippolito II d'Este, a prominent figure in European diplomacy and church politics, underscores the wider European significance of this seemingly casual event.

Long-term Significance

These personal interactions and relationships formed during the 1536 visit solidify James’s commitment to France, influencing subsequent Scottish policy, especially in the context of rivalry with England. The bonds forged at Loches contribute significantly to deepening French influence in Scotland, with profound implications for both Scottish internal affairs and international relations throughout the mid-sixteenth century.