Henry Stuart, known as Lord Darnley, was the second husband of Mary, Queen of Scots. Their marriage, which took place in 1565, was politically motivated, aimed at securing her claim to the English throne. However, the relationship quickly deteriorated due to Darnley's arrogance and desire for power. On the night of February 10, 1567, an explosion occurred at the Kirk o' Field house, a residence where they were staying. Darnley's body was discovered in the garden outside, leading to immediate suspicion about the true nature of his death. He was found not only with injuries caused by the explosion but also with signs of strangulation, raising questions about who wanted him dead.

In the wake of Darnley's death, political intrigue in Scotland intensified. Mary was under increasing pressure from both Protestant lords and the Catholic faction, which viewed her as a threat. The murder was seen as a turning point in her reign, leading to a loss of support and ultimately contributing to her downfall. Many contemporaries believed that Mary and her close allies were involved in the conspiracy to eliminate Darnley, although direct evidence was lacking. The event set off a series of political maneuvers that would lead to Mary's imprisonment and eventual execution.

The aftermath of Darnley's assassination brought to light numerous potential suspects and theories regarding the involvement of both nobles and Mary herself. The incident not only shattered public trust but also exacerbated existing factional divisions within Scotland. As documents and letters circulated in the following months, speculation grew about the true plot behind Darnley’s murder. This event shaped subsequent relations among the Scottish nobility and marked a significant moment leading to political instability that would plague Scotland for years to come.