Charles Stuart, Duke of Cambridge (1660–1661)

Charles Stuart, Duke of Cambridge (22 October 1660 – 5 May 1661) was the first son of James, Duke of York (later King James II) and his first wife, Anne Hyde. As the eldest son of the heir presumptive to the thrones of England, Scotland, and Ireland, Charles was styled Duke of Cambridge from birth. He was second in line to the throne after his father.

Born in St. James's Palace, Charles's birth was met with celebrations as it secured the Stuart succession following the Restoration of the monarchy earlier that year. He was baptised on 29 October 1660 at St. James's, with King Charles II, the Duke of Gloucester, and the Princess Royal serving as his godparents.

However, Charles Stuart's life was tragically short. He died of smallpox at St. James's Palace on 5 May 1661, before his first birthday. His death represented a significant blow to the royal family, as he was the heir presumptive after his father. The Dukedom of Cambridge became extinct upon his death.

His remains were interred at Westminster Abbey. His early death necessitated further heirs to the throne, making the eventual births of his younger brothers, James (1663) and Edgar (1667), of critical importance, though both of these sons also predeceased their father. His death highlights the high infant mortality rates of the era and the fragility of succession during a period of political instability.