The term "illegitimate king" is a bit of a contradiction. In the context of English history, a king is typically considered legitimate if they were crowned and recognized by the people. However, there have been several instances where a king's claim to the throne was disputed due to their birth outside of wedlock.
Here are some notable examples:
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John, King John (1199-1216): While John was the younger brother of Richard I, he was considered the legitimate heir as Richard had no legitimate children. However, John's birth was shrouded in controversy, as his father, King Henry II, had an affair with his mother, Rosamund Clifford. This led to some questioning John's legitimacy, although he was ultimately crowned king.
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Henry FitzRoy, Duke of Richmond and Somerset (1519-1536): Henry FitzRoy was the illegitimate son of King Henry VIII and Elizabeth Blount. He was raised by his father and given a prestigious title and education. However, Henry VIII never made him his heir, and he died young.
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James FitzJames, Duke of Berwick (1476-1542): James FitzJames was the illegitimate son of King James IV of Scotland and Margaret Drummond. He was raised in the royal court and held important positions in the government. However, he was never recognized as a legitimate heir to the Scottish throne.
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Charles II (1630-1685): While Charles II was the legitimate heir to the English throne after the death of his father, King Charles I, his claim was disputed by some due to his mother, Henrietta Maria, being a Catholic. This led to the English Civil War and the establishment of the Commonwealth.
It's important to note that the term "illegitimate" carries a historical and societal context that may not be applicable in modern times. These individuals, while born outside of wedlock, were still recognized as legitimate members of society and often held influential positions within the royal court and government.
