‘The handsomest bodied man of England' 😍 George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham, was Favourite to King James I (VI of Scotland). Villiers' rise to power was built on the love and patronage of the King. Their letters and accounts of their lives reveal a tender, affectionate relationship that brought Buckingham to the heart of the Stuart Court. #LGBTplusHM Read more about George Villiers ➡️ https://brnw.ch/21wGzOI 🎨 Royal Collection Trust © His Majesty King Charles III 2024 | Historic Royal Pal

Four hundred years ago, James VI and I died with his favourite, George Villiers, by his side. George Villiers’, the Duke of Buckingham’s, rise to power was built on the love and patronage of King James. Author Gareth Russell tells us more about the man who was equally influential and disliked and his connections to Hampton Court Palace 🏰 Find out more about James VI and I’s life and loves in Gareth Russell - Historian/Author’s new book ‘Queen James: The Life and Loves of Britain’s First King’ o