The Agent of Monarchy

Abstract

Chapter 3 explores the ways in which Harrington maintained and extended his family’s long-standing connections with the Stuarts. He did so first as ‘agent’ to the Prince Elector Palatine Charles Louis, son of Elizabeth of Bohemia, handling his funds and delivering a Humble Remonstrance on his behalf. This role may have led to the choice of Harrington as gentleman of the bedchamber to the captive Charles I. In both cases Harrington was in an ambiguous position with regard to the division at the heart of the Civil War, since Charles Louis sided with Parliament rather than his uncle, and though Harrington worked as a close personal servant to Charles I, it was Parliament who appointed him to this position. These activities suggest that a more robust explanation is required as to how Harrington reconciled his royal service with his belief that England was ripe for republican government.