A Downfall Prevented?
If she had made some wiser decisions, Mary could have saved her throne
It is has often been wondered whether Mary had the potential to save her crown if she had made other choices. Before returning to Scotland she reassured the lords that she would not interfere in the religion of the realm, and it was a promise she that kept. But could Mary have intervened in other ways to protect herself from malicious plots and intrigue?
It is generally agreed that one of Mary’s biggest mistakes was to not pack her Privy Council with loyal supporters upon her return, instead allowing the lords who had seized power to remain in their positions. Perhaps Mary felt, understandably, that she was not in a position force out the men who had filled the power vacuum in her absence. However, Mary did have supporters that were loyal to her and initially, her people were pleased to see her return – she could have successfully changed her council if she tried.
While we will never know, there is the possibility that Mary could have survived in Scotland if Darnley had been a better consort to her, instead of inciting factions in his own bid for her crown. After all, with their joint claim to the English throne, they could have been a far bigger threat to Elizabeth than Mary was alone – although having said this, Darnley’s attitude and behaviour was simply a factor beyond her control.