Buckingham

Also known as: Duke of Buckingham / George Villiers / George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham / Lord Buckingham / My Lord the Duke of Buckingham / his Grace / his Grace, Lord Buckingham / my Lord Buckingham / my Lord Duke of Buckingham / the Duke / the Duke of Buckingham / the duke · Family: English court · Role: duke and minister · First appears: Chapter 11

In chapter 11, Buckingham is identified by Mme. Bonacieux during their passage into the Louvre, and he accepts D’Artagnan’s offer of service: “You offer me your services; with the same frankness I accept them.” After Mme. Bonacieux frees him and resumes conducting him to the Louvre, she briefly locks him in an apartment. There, Anne of Austria tells him they must never meet again, gives him a rosewood casket as a token, and receives his promise to leave France for England. Buckingham is described as her ardent suitor, and he later obeys her request not to aid the Protestants of La Rochelle. He also discovers that Milady arranged the theft of two of his diamond studs; he confines Mr. O’Reilly until replacements are made and sends them to Anne of Austria through D’Artagnan.

When D’Artagnan warns him that Anne of Austria is in danger, Buckingham abandons his hunt with Patrick and returns to London. He imposes an embargo on ships bound for France, while his ties to Charles I remain those of a minister and patron. He parts from D’Artagnan as a friend while acknowledging that they may soon become enemies, and he treats Mr. O’Reilly as his prisoner. His hostility with Richelieu grows through their opposing interests: Richelieu regards any blow against England as a triumph over Buckingham, while Buckingham lands on the Isle of Ré, fights Comte de Toiras, and later sends Montague as his envoy. The capture of Montague and papers from Buckingham’s lodging expose an alliance involving England and compromise Mme. de Chevreuse and the queen.

In 1627, Milady agrees with Richelieu to have Buckingham assassinated in exchange for permission to kill D’Artagnan. Buckingham’s promised fleet restores hope at La Rochelle, but Richelieu sends Milady to London to negotiate with him and encourages the plan against his life. Lord de Winter, one of Buckingham’s intimate friends, expects him to sign Milady’s exile order. In 1628, Buckingham refuses to sign it—“Never.”—and Felton uses the moment to stab him with Milady’s knife.

At Portsmouth, Buckingham receives Anne of Austria’s warning that an attempt will be made on his life, together with her message that she still loves him, but Felton’s wound proves fatal. Milady is later identified as the person who corrupted Felton and caused the duke’s assassination. Charles I learns of Buckingham’s death and closes England’s ports in an attempt to conceal the news from the Rochellais.