Britannica Sources used in this answer

How did the execution of Charles I strengthen Scottish support for Charles II?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Painting of the Battle of Naseby shows cavalry and infantry clashing, with soldiers on horseback leading a charge and fallen fighters on the ground amid the chaos of battle. — English Civil Wars *Battle of Naseby*, by an unknown artist. The victory of the Parliamentarian New Model Army, under Sir Thomas Fairfax and Oliver Cromwell, over the Royalist army, commanded by Prince Rupert, at the Battle of Naseby (June 14, 1645) marked the decisive turning point in the English Civil War.

The execution of Charles I in January 1649 profoundly shocked the Scottish people, serving as a catalyst that galvanized their support for his son, Charles II.12

While the Scottish Covenanters had previously been at odds with the monarchy, the regicide committed by the English Parliament and Oliver Cromwell shifted the political landscape. Many Scots, despite their earlier conflicts with the crown, were prepared to fight for the younger Charles to restore the monarchy, provided he agreed to their religious terms.123

This support was solidified when Charles II was constrained to accept the National Covenant and the Solemn League and Covenant. By signing these agreements in 1650, Charles II secured the backing of the Scottish forces, leading to his coronation at Scone in 1651 and the subsequent military campaigns against the English Commonwealth.14523