Despite remaining in Edinburgh, Seton had an extremely successful career in the court of King James VI and I. Also, although Seton was Roman Catholic, James favoured him due to his support for his mother, Mary, Queen of Scots, during her lifetime. This helped Seton in his appointment as Lord President of the Court of Session, a post he held from 1598-1604, and Lord Chancellor of Scotland, from 1604 until his death in 1622. He became the 1st Earl of Dunfermline in 1605. In 1610 he visited London and it is most likely that this elegant portrait was painted during this visit. He is dressed in a dark, subdued outfit, which perhaps relates to the recently issued note about the attire worn by Scottish officers. From his wrist hangs a small gold key, this may refer to his post as Chancellor.