Mary of Guise, also known as Mary of Lorraine, was the regent of Scotland during the minority of her daughter, Mary, Queen of Scots. Born into the powerful House of Guise in Lorraine, she was known for her height, beauty, and strong political acumen. She spent her early years in the French countryside and in a convent before debuting at the French court in 1531. At 18, she married her first husband, Louis II, Duke of Longueville, with whom she had two sons, though only one survived infancy. Following Longueville's death, Mary married King James V of Scotland in 1538. They had three children together, two sons who died in infancy and Mary, Queen of Scots, who survived. After James’s death in 1542, Mary became regent for her young daughter and held the position until her death in 1560. As regent, Mary of Guise aimed to maintain Scotland's Catholic faith and keep the nation closely allied with France, resisting English Protestant influence. However, her efforts ultimately failed, as Protestant forces gained control following her death. Later, during the reign of her grandson, James VI and I, the Union of the Crowns united Scotland and England.