Margaret, Maid of Norway

Margaret, known as the Maid of Norway, was born in March or April of 1283, the daughter of King Eric II of Norway and Margaret of Scotland. As the only surviving descendant of her maternal grandfather, King Alexander III of Scotland, she was recognized as the heir presumptive to the Scottish crown following his death in 1286.

Despite her royal status, Margaret's young age meant she remained in Norway rather than traveling to Scotland. Her father and the Scottish leaders arranged for her to marry Edward of Caernarfon, the son of King Edward I of England, which would have strengthened ties between the two kingdoms.

In September of 1290, Margaret was finally sent to Great Britain, but tragically, she died in Orkney shortly after her arrival. Her untimely death ignited a fierce succession dispute among thirteen competitors for the Scottish crown, leaving a significant mark on Scottish history.