People often ask us why we spell our name S-T-U-A-R-T rather than the Scottish S-T-E-W-A-R-T. And our reply is simply this. . .

Many of the Stuart monarchs did choose to spell their name the traditional Scottish way.

However, in 1551 Mary Stewart was betrothed to the Dauphin and sent to France to be raised in the French court. Because the French alphabet at the time had no "W", during Mary's stay in France, she took on the French spelling, S-T-U-A-R-T.

Francis would become King of France and for a brief while Mary was Queen of both Scotland and France. Unfortunately during a hunting trip, Francis fell ill from an ear ache; medicine being what it was, he was bled to death. Mary subsequently returned to Scotland.

Mary would later wed her cousin Lord Darnley, Henry S-T-E-W-A-R-T. He was not very popular and therefore died from an accidental bombing and strangulation. Mary reverted back to the French spelling of Stuart.

Later generations of Stuarts would alternate between the French and the Scottish spelling depending on their affinity to France and the Auld Alliance. We have chosen the French spelling, S-T-U-A-R-T, because it often raises questions and gives us the opportunity to "teach" a little history while we explain our name. And education is at the heart of what we do.

Remember. . .
    with the Royal Stuarts
         History Lives Forever!