September 26

Margaret, Maid of Norway was the granddaughter of King Alexander III of Scotland and became queen at the age of three. A political marriage to Edward I of England was proposed to secure alliances, but she died unexpectedly during her voyage to Scotland. Her death in 1290 triggered the Great Cause, a long succession dispute among Scottish nobles. This conflict ultimately led to the Wars of Scottish Independence as rival claimants and England vied for control. Margaret's brief life had far-reaching consequences for Scotland's history.

William II served as Count of Hainaut during a period of shifting alliances between France and the Holy Roman Empire. He inherited the county following his father's death and worked to consolidate his rule amid feudal rivalries. Through strategic marriages, he sought to strengthen ties with neighboring principalities. William's diplomatic efforts balanced the interests of powerful regional players like Flanders and Brabant. He died in 1345, leaving a legacy of political maneuvering that influenced succession disputes in the Low Countries.

Jovan Uglješa ruled as despot of Serres, overseeing territories in present-day Greece and North Macedonia. He forged alliances with neighboring Balkan lords to resist Ottoman expansion. Alongside his brother Vukašin, he commanded Balkan forces at the Battle of Maritsa. The crushing defeat there marked a turning point in Ottoman advances into Europe. Jovan's leadership is remembered for his attempts to unite Balkan principalities against external threats.

Stephen III was born in 1337 as a member of the Wittelsbach family and became Duke of Bavaria-Ingolstadt. He co-ruled Bavaria with his brothers and later partitioned the duchy through internal agreements. His reign was marked by territorial disputes and alliances that influenced the politics of the Holy Roman Empire. Stephen promoted cultural patronage, supporting architectural projects and the arts at his court. He died in 1413, leaving a legacy of ducal governance during a transformative era for Bavaria.

Born in 1532, Amias Paulet served as the Governor of Jersey and was later appointed Ambassador to Paris before becoming custodian to Mary, Queen of Scots. Known for his tact and unwavering loyalty to Queen Elizabeth I, he balanced diplomatic duties with strict governance. His administration in Jersey was marked by efforts to defend the island against French threats. Paulet’s reputation for integrity and sound judgment earned him respect at the Tudor court. He died in 1588 after a distinguished career in diplomacy and governance.

Born Zhu Changluo in 1582, he ascended the throne as the Taichang Emperor after his father Wanli’s death. His reign lasted only a month before his untimely death, possibly due to illness or poisoning. During his brief rule, he sought to reverse some of his father’s unpopular policies and reduce court corruption. The sudden transition known as the ‘Taichang Incident’ led to significant power struggles among eunuchs and officials. Despite his short tenure, his death had lasting repercussions on the Ming dynasty’s political stability.

Charles Grey (1540–1623), 7th Earl of Kent, was an English nobleman and politician active during the reigns of Elizabeth I and James I. He held the office of Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, overseeing local militia and county administration. As a member of the Privy Council, he advised the monarch on regional matters and maintained order in his shire. Grey’s tenure was characterized by efforts to implement royal policies and support the crown’s authority in the English counties. He died in 1623, leaving behind a legacy of devoted public service.

Wakisaka Yasuharu (1554–1626) was a prominent samurai lord and naval commander during Japan’s Sengoku and early Edo periods. He served under Toyotomi Hideyoshi, commanding fleets during the invasions of Korea (1592–1598). Yasuharu played a key role in several naval engagements, demonstrating strategic acumen against Korean and Ming forces. After the Battle of Sekigahara, he pledged loyalty to Tokugawa Ieyasu and was granted rule over the Kameyama domain. Known for his administrative skills, he modernized his fief and maintained stability until his death in 1626.

José Bernardo de Tagle y Portocarrero, the Marquis of Torre Tagle, was a key figure in Peru’s struggle for independence. He distinguished himself as a military leader under José de San Martín and Simón Bolívar. In 1823, Tagle assumed the presidency of Peru at a tumultuous time in the newly independent nation. His administration faced internal revolts and external threats as Peru sought political stability. Despite challenges, he worked to organize the republic’s institutions and defend its sovereignty. After resigning the presidency, Tagle continued to serve in public roles until his death in 1825.

John Fitzwilliam Stairs was a prominent Canadian businessman and political figure in the late 19th century. He co-founded several major enterprises, including the Nova Scotia Steel Company and the Union Steamship Company. Stairs served as a member of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly and later in the Canadian Parliament. His investments and leadership helped modernize transportation and industry in the Maritime provinces. Stairs advocated for infrastructure improvements, such as railways and ports, to boost regional trade. He left a lasting legacy in Nova Scotia’s economic and political landscape before his death in 1904.

Born in Sydney in 1863, Charles Wade trained as a lawyer before entering politics. He was elected to the New South Wales Legislative Assembly in 1903. In 1907, Wade became the leader of the Liberal Reform Party and Premier of New South Wales. His government introduced progressive reforms in education, public health, and infrastructure. Wade was known for his advocacy of social welfare measures and rail expansion. After leaving politics in 1910, he continued to practice law and served on various commissions. He died in 1922, leaving a legacy of moderate reform in New South Wales politics.

Born into a distinguished family in 1899, Bandaranaike studied philosophy at Oxford before returning to Sri Lanka. As Prime Minister from 1956, he introduced the Sinhala Only policy to empower the Buddhist-majority population, reshaping national identity. He expanded social welfare programs, education, and healthcare, reflecting his vision of majority rule and economic development. While praised for his populist reforms, his language policies also fueled ethnic tensions that influenced Sri Lanka’s future trajectory. Bandaranaike’s tenure was cut short by his assassination in 1959, a turning point in the nation’s post-independence history.