Rare Mary Queen of Scots painting on public display for first time

A rare portrait of Mary Queen of Scots is going on public display for the first time.

Marking 432 years to the day since the Scottish monarch died in 1587, the painting was unveiled on Friday at Hever Castle in Kent by historian David Starkey.

Discovered in France, it is believed to have come from the studio of Renaissance miniature portrait painter Francois Clouet but was only recently identified as Mary.

Originally thought to date back to the 17th century, scientific examination of the oak panel on which the portrait is painted revealed it was created after 1547, while analysis of the style confirmed it was created in the mid-16th century, the castle said.

It shows a teenage Mary, circa 1560, thought to be in mourning dress after the death of her father-in-law, mother and husband within 18 months of each other.

Starkey said: “This elegant portrait shows the 19-year-old Mary, as she was on her return to Scotland at the beginning of an extraordinary adventure which turned two kingdoms upside down and ended in her own execution at Fotheringhay 26 years later.”

The castle – the childhood home of Anne Boleyn – bought the painting and plans to display it permanently.

It can be viewed by the public from Saturday, when the castle reopens.