Alexander succeeded his father as Lord Home, Chamberlain and Warden of the Eastern and Middle Marches in 1506, and was confirmed in these honours by royal charter in February 1510.
After the death of James IV of Scotland at Flodden, Lord Home did not accept the rule of Regent Albany.
Although he had supported the appointment of Albany as governor, a legend says that when they first met at Dumbarton Castle, the Regent joked about Lord Home's small stature, quoting minuit praesentia famam meaning 'the appearance doesn't live up to report.'
Their relationship deteriorated, and Home wrote to Lord Dacre in England in August 1515 saying that Albany wished him exiled from Scotland and Margaret Tudor agreed.
Home attacked Dunbar Castle, then captured the Chief Herald, the Lyon King of Arms at Coldstream and held him ransom for his mother who was a prisoner of Albany's lieutenant Antoine d'Arces.
Lord Home was accused of the murder of James IV at Flodden, then of failing to prevent English re-fortification at Norham Castle.