Buckingham, George Villiers

George Villiers, the 1st Duke of Buckingham (1592-1628), was an influential English courtier and politician during the reign of King James I. He became the king's favorite and held significant power, shaping royal policies and preferences. Villiers was known for his charm, ambition, and controversial relationships, particularly his close ties with the monarch, which led to both favor and animosity among other nobles. His life was marked by extravagance, political maneuvering, and a tragic end, as he was assassinated in a power struggle, highlighting the volatility of court politics in early 17th-century England.