What is one thing Mary Queen of Scots could have done to become Queen of England and hold the crown?

Unraveling the intricate puzzle of succession in early 16th century England, one key action stands out for Mary Queen of Scots: outliving Queen Elizabeth I. Her grandfather, Henry VII, shared the same lineage with Queen Elizabeth, creating a legitimate line of succession for Mary. However, the scenario presents numerous challenges, and her conversion to Protestantism emerges as the pivotal step towards achieving this goal.

The Road to Succession

Had Mary outlived Queen Elizabeth I, she would have been the legitimate heir to the English throne. However, this required either Elizabeth’s death in late 1558 or an earlier demise of Mary’s primary rivals. For instance, Lady Elizabeth Margaret Douglas and Frances Brandon's deaths before Mary I's passing could have prompted France to negotiate with Mary over Calais. A joint succession of Fran?ois the Dauphin and Mary Queen of Scots was possible, given France's leverage and Mary's undoubted legitimacy. Despite these possibilities, Mary’s mortality remained a critical variable. As she was ten years younger, she needed a strategic approach to outlive Elizabeth.

A Key Strategic Move: Convert to Protestantism

The pivotal action that could have dramatically altered Mary’s fate was her conversion to Protestantism. This shift would have eliminated her as a focal point for Catholic conspiracies and potential rebellions in England. It would also have reduced Elizabeth’s reason to target her, as religious affiliations became a critical factor in political alliances and rivalries.

Removing Catholic Threats: By converting to Protestantism, Mary would no longer be seen as a threat or a focal point for Catholic rebellions. The English nobility, who were predominantly Protestant, would have been more inclined to support Elizabeth rather than rally behind a Catholic queen.Reducing Political Resistance: Elizabeth's government and the English Parliament would have less reason to block Mary's succession in the event of Elizabeth's death. This move would ease tensions and open the path for a smoother transition of power.Maintaining Neutrality: Mary would need to remain neutral and avoid any involvement in plots against Elizabeth. This would prevent Elizabeth from having any justifiable reason to plot against her or take action.

A Feasible Timeline: A Long Life and a Short Reign

Assuming a successful conversion, Mary would need to endure the years leading up to Elizabeth’s death. With Elizabeth being nine years older, Mary would only be 60 when the English queen passed away. Although her reign would likely be short-lived, her son James VI could inherit the English and Irish thrones shortly after her death. This transition would ensure a seamless continuity in the Stuart line of succession.

Conclusion

Mary Queen of Scots' one critical action to secure her place as Queen of England was to convert to Protestantism and outlive Elizabeth I. This strategic move would have aligned her with the prevailing religious and political trends in England, making her a more viable and acceptable candidate for the English throne.

While the path was fraught with challenges, the conversion to Protestantism would have been a defining step in her quest for succession. The success of this strategy would have depended on her ability to navigate the complex political landscape and maintain her allegiance to Protestantism.