#qc: gruoch of scotland

[scotlandsladies]

♕ Scottish-born wives and queen consorts of Scotland 

[scotlandsladies]

The Ladies ♕ Queen Consorts [1/25] ↳ Gruoch of Scotland (c.1015-1060?), Queen Consort from 1040 to 1057

Gruoch was a royal princess by birth, who was born around 1015 to Boite mac Cináeda. She firstly married Gille Coemgain Macrory, Earl of Moray who happened to be cousins to Mac Bethad mac Findlaích (MacBeth). In 1032, after her first husband died, she went on to marry MacBeth, King of Scotland, son of Findlaech MacRory, Mormaer of Moray and Donalda of Alba. When Duncan I died, Macbeth became king after claiming the throne of Scotland in both his and his wife’s name. This act was so unusual during this time, that it made Gruoch the first queen consort ever recorded in Scotland’s history. During her husband’s seventeen year-long reign, Gruoch exerted authority and influence alongside MacBeth as his queen. Together they reigned richly. Even so, that MacBeth was said to have “scattered silver like seeds” to the poor. After MacBeth’s death, Gruoch’s son Lulach (with her first husband) ascended the throne of Scotland. It is generally believed that Gruoch died sometime in 1060, although the date is most likely unknown.