Scott was the first of Charles II’s several illegitimate children. Charles became especially fond of his son when he joined the royal court and proceeded to grant him countless honours and titles. In 1663 he was created Duke of Monmouth. He had a successful military career and fought in the second and third Anglo-Dutch wars. However, the close relationship between the two led to rumours that Charles would declare his eldest son legitimate. This never happened but many continued to view him as the Protestant alternative to the Catholic Duke of York, James. After living in exile since 1679, in 1685 Monmouth launched a rebellion; an attempt to overthrow the new king, James VII and II, following the death of Charles. It failed and on 15 July, Monmouth was convicted of treason and executed.