Edward was born on 13^th November 1312 at Windsor Castle, the eldest son of Edward II and his wife Isabella, daughter of King Philip IV of France, so through Edward I am also descended from French Royalty. Prior to his accession to the throne he was known as Edward of Windsor after his birthplace.

Those of you who are scholars of the Wars of the Roses will recognize the family name - Beaufort, as Margaret Beaufort, was a pivotal player on the Lancastrian side and the mother of the first Tudor King, Henry VII. Joan Beaufort, Queen of Scotland, was Margaret's aunt, the daughter of John Beaufort, 1^st^ Earl of Somerset. Margaret was the only daughter of John's second son, John, the 3^rd^ Earl of Somerset. The Beaufort's were descended from John of Gaunt, King Edward III's 3^rd^ son, and thus Joan is a direct descendant of Edward III.