List of descendants of James II of England

The descendants of James II of England, Stuart monarch of the Kingdom of England, Kingdom of Scotland and Kingdom of Ireland, are numerous; lines of several of his children exist to this day. James married twice, first to Anne Hyde and then later to Mary of Modena. Many of the children from both marriaged died in infancy, however four survived. The geneology of James is of interest because he was was illegally deposed and a movement supportive of his legitimate descendants emmerged; Jacobitism.

Two of James' mistresses also bore him illegitimate children; these are the only lines of his descendants that are known for sure to exist to this day. This article deals with the most senior figures who were descended from James' children. Several of James' descendants have been major players in the shaping of history on the islands of Great Britain and Ireland.

Legitimate issue

by Anne Hyde

James II and Anne Hyde also had six other children, though none of them survived infancy. Their names were Charles Stuart, Duke of Cambridge (22 October 1660 – 5 May 1661), James Stuart, Duke of Cambridge (12 July 1663 – 20 June 1667), Charles Stuart, Duke of Kendal (4 July 1666 – 22 May 1667), Edgar Stuart, Duke of Cambridge (14 September 1667 – 15 November 1669), Henrietta (13 January 1669 – 15 November 1669) and Catherine (9 February 1671 – 5 December 1671).

Mary II of England

The question of James, Prince of Wales' descendants is a controversial issue, due to its connection to Jacobitism. The last completely accepted descendant was Charles Edward, Count Roehenstart who died without issue in 1854. He was the son of Charlotte Stuart, Duchess of Albany, who was the illigitimate child of Charles Edward Stuart, also known as "Bonnie Prince Charlie". The Duchess of Albany was known to have had three children; Count Roehenstart and two daughters named Charlotte and Marie-Victoire.

It was presumed by scholary historians such as in "The Last Stuarts" of 1983 that her two daughters died childless. However in the 2000s, Peter Pininski released a book "The Stuarts' Last Secret", presenting evidence for a claim that Marie-Victoire in 1779, married the Polish nobleman the Chevalier de Nikorowicz and had a son, Antime. In the book Piniski then presents how the descendency from Antime leads down to him at the time of printing the book.

Louisa Maria Teresa

Henry FitzJames, 1st Duke of Albemarle

by Catherine Sedley

Catherine Darnley

References