Even given the taboos of this time period, as well as the next several centuries of research and writing about history, there is a fair amount of historical documentation of contemporary rumors and reports that King James I (played in this series by
Tony Curran) was gay, or perhaps bisexual; therefore, giving a historical basis to this aspect of his depiction in
Mary & George (2024).
His close relationships with a series of male courtiers were often remarked-upon in letters and other documents of the day. Two of the men whom many historians agree were likely his lovers are depicted in this series: Robert Carr, 1st Earl of Somerset (
Laurie Davidson) and George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham (
Nicholas Galitzine).
Sir John Oglander, a contemporary politician and diarist, wrote about James being "the chastest prince for women that ever was, for he would often swear that he never kissed any other woman than his own queen. I never yet saw any fond husband make so much or so great dalliance over his beautiful spouse as I have seen King James over his favorites, especially the Duke of Buckingham," whilst Royal Naval officer, Edward Peyton, observed James "tumble and kiss [George] as a mistress" in view of the court.
James I was the same King James who sponsored the translation of the Bible that is still known today as "the King James Bible," which is another reason that religious interests may have been eager to deny or expunge from history the possibility that James was gay or bisexual.
