Under James I, George made many enemies. With the King’s patronage behind him, George elevated his relatives and friends in their social standing. This did not go unnoticed, and allegations of corruption and appropriating public funds for his own purposes dogged him for as long as he served as the King’s companion.

This was also a time of great religious conflict, and the English Civil War was just one generation away. Tension between crown and parliament were already building, and James’ was caught up in this growing feud as religious and moral austerity grew in parliament, the army and the country at large.

And of course, one does not become the King’s favourite without enticing jealousy from others. The King’s favour can be a dangerous thing...

Mary recognised that George had the potential to ingratiate himself into the world of politics, and promptly groomed him in the ways of courtly behaviour. She sent him to France where he learned fencing, dancing and the French language, and having found the means to make him look and act the part, sent him to the English court where he quickly became the new favourite of James I.

This proved to be a shrewd investment on her part. As George rose rapidly through the ranks, she too benefitted. She was often seen at court and built a reputation as a formidable character who lived to no end but to advance her family.