As a historical expert, I am well-versed in the intricate details of historical events, including the lives of monarchs and their significant milestones. The question of Queen Mary's age at marriage is a notable one, as it marks a pivotal moment in her life and her reign.

Mary, Queen of Scots, was born on December 8, 1542. Her marriage to Francis, the Dauphin of France, was a significant political alliance that took place on April 24, 1558. This union was not only a personal event but also a strategic move to strengthen the ties between Scotland and France. The marriage was arranged when Mary was a young girl, and it was a common practice at the time for royal marriages to be arranged for political reasons.

By examining the dates, we can calculate Queen Mary's age at the time of her marriage. From her birth in December 1542 to the date of her marriage in April 1558, Mary was approximately 15 years and 4 months old. This calculation is based on the assumption that she was not yet 16 at the time of her marriage. It's important to note that historical records can sometimes be imprecise, and the exact age might be subject to slight variations depending on the source.

However, there seems to be a discrepancy in the information provided. The statement that "Francis II (age 15) with his wife Mary, Queen of Scots (age 17) in 1559" is incorrect based on the marriage date of April 24, 1558. If the marriage took place in 1558, Mary would have been 15, not 17, and Francis would have been 14, not 15, as he was born on January 19, 1544. This would make him 14 years old at the time of the marriage.

Mary's early life was marked by significant events. She became the Queen of Scots at an incredibly young age, less than a week old, following the death of her father, King James V, in December 1542. This made her a figure of great importance from the very beginning, and her marriage to Francis was a continuation of her life as a key player in the political landscape of her time.

In summary, Queen Mary was approximately 15 years and 4 months old when she got married to Francis, the Dauphin of France, in 1558. Her marriage was a significant event that not only impacted her personal life but also had profound political implications for both Scotland and France.

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The Marriage of Mary, Queen of Scots. Mary wedded Francis, Dauphin of France on April 24th, 1558. Francis II (age 15) with his wife Mary, Queen of Scots (age 17) in 1559. Mary became Queen of Scots when she was less than a week old, on the death of her father, James in December 1542.read more >>