George Villiers (Duke of Buckingham)

George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham (1592–1628), was an English courtier and the leading royal favourite of King James I, later retaining influence under King Charles I. Rising rapidly at court, he accumulated titles and offices and became a central figure in early Stuart politics and foreign policy. Buckingham played prominent roles in diplomatic initiatives and in military ventures, including the ill-fated Cádiz expedition (1625) and the attempt to relieve La Rochelle (1627). His power and perceived monopolization of royal favour made him widely controversial and a target of political attack. He was assassinated in Portsmouth in 1628 by John Felton.