[1] In October 1571 Regent Mar provided Keith with a letter of recommendation to the King of Denmark, Frederick II, as a brave soldier.
The English ambassador in Scotland Robert Bowes understood that Arran and Dingwall had agreed to promote the marriage of James VI to the King of Sweden's daughter.
[12] The Chancellor, John Maitland of Thirlestane was sceptical about their suitability and combined abilities for this mission, and said, "Marischal and the lord Dingwall ... will not both make a wise man".
[13] In July, Dingwall and his fellow ambassadors George Young and John Skene returned to Scotland and at Boyne Castle in Banffshire they reported to James VI on the progress of the marriage negotiations.
Thomas Fowler, also at Aberdeen, heard a rumour that the embassy had caused some confusion in Denmark, the marriage being considered as settled, and costly preparations in hand, including ships, jewels, clothes, and a silver coach for the bride.
[19] James was married on 20 August 1589, the Earl Marischal was his proxy or stand-in at the ceremony in his bride's lodging and bedchamber in the palace of Kronborg.
John III king of Sweden had sent special instructions that Andrew Keith and Axel Gyldenstierne should on no account be allowed in the fortress of Älvsborg at the mouth of the river Göta.
[25] There was a controversy whether the queen's dowry money should be brought home untouched to Scotland, or whether the Earl Marischal, Dingwall and William Keith of Delny should be recompensed there and then.
Delny, who was criticised for his ostentatious dress, was sacked from the post of Master of Wardrobe, and replaced by the rising favourite Sir George Home.