[1567/8/3]*[print] [email] [cite] [preceding] [following]
Forasmuch as [Mary], the queen, mother to our sovereign lord the king, the time of her subscription of the commission and letters of procuratory, by which she demitted and renounced the government of this realm in favour of our said sovereign lord, considering that by reason of his tender youth he was not of ability of his own person to administrate in his kingly position and government as was requisite, and knowing the peace, unity and tenderness of blood standing between him and her dearest brother James [Stewart], earl of Moray, lord Abernethy, of whose affection and kindly love towards his majesty and the commonwealth of this realm she was and is most assured; in respect whereof, as of the certainty of her said brother's sufficiency and good qualification, her grace, by her letters also subscribed with her hand and under her privy seal of the date above-written, made, named, appointed, constituted and ordained him regent to her said dearest son, this realm and lieges thereof, during his minority and less-age, and until he be of the age of seventeen years complete, willing that he be called during the said period regent to our sovereign lord, his realm and lieges, with power to her said dearest brother, in name, authority and on behalf of our said sovereign lord, to use and exercise the said office of regency in all things, privileges and commodities pertaining thereto, as freely and with as great liberty as any regent or governor to the queen or her predecessors used in any times bygone, as at more length is contained in the commission foresaid passed thereupon, of the date 24 July last; which before, and in the time of our sovereign lord's coronation solemnised upon the 29th day of the said month, was read, considered, found good and expedient, and by the estates then convened ratified, approved and condescended unto. Since which time, at the pleasure of almighty God, the said noble lord returning to this realm, his native country, considering the queen's deliberate will and mind, not only by her said commissions but also by her own mouth and voice, that he should accept the said office and charge, for obedience thereof, and moved of the natural and entire affection which he bears toward the welfare and preservation of our said sovereign lord and commonwealth of this realm, has accepted and received the charge and office of regency upon his person, and has given his oath in presence of the lords of secret council for dutiful administration thereof to the pleasure of God, our sovereign's honour and commodity of all the good subjects of this realm. Therefore, ordains letters to be directed to make publication hereof by open proclamation at the market cross of Edinburgh, and all other market crosses of the head burghs and shires of this realm and other places needful, that none pretend ignorance of the same; and to command and charge all and sundry the lieges and subjects whomsoever to readily answer, intend and obey to the said lord regent in his said office and charge of regency during the said space of our sovereign lord's minority, and to no others, such as any princes or other governors and regents have been obeyed in times bygone, under the pain of treason; certifying all and whatsoever persons that do in the contrary, resisting our sovereign's authority and disobeying the said regent, they shall be reputed and held as plain opposers of his majesty's authority, and shall be punished for that with all rigour in example of others.