Sir Robert Douglas states that "Sir William Douglas of Glenbervie [as he was styled prior to his succession to the earldom] was a man of great honour and integrity, and a steady friend of Queen Mary. He accompanied her in her expedition to the north, and behaved with utmost fortitude and resolution at the fight of Corrichieanno 1562".[3]
According to David Hume of Godscroft, Angus and Lord John Hamilton argued over precedence in the king's privy or outer chamber at Holyrood Palace. James VI came out of his bed chamber and made them reconcile. Meanwhile, Sir John Carmichael, Captain of the Guard, had made the palace secure, and Angus had to signal to his followers from a window that all was well.[4]
The earldom was claimed by James VI, who brought a suit against Douglas, for reducing the charters connected with the title, but on 7 March 1589, a decision was given in favour of the latter.[5]
He had two charters under The Great Seal of Scotland, from Queen Mary, of the lands and barony of Glenbervie, Kemnay, and several others.[3]
Henry Douglas of Tannachy (d. 5 October 1595) who married Janet Murray at sometime before 1580. Had issue Janet Douglas born 16 April 1580 Dunfermline Scotland.
Margaret Douglas, married William Forbes of Monymusk
Jean Douglas, married John Wishart of Balisycht
Elizabeth Douglas, married Thomas Gordon of Cluny
Sarah Douglas, married 1st Robert Strachan, 2nd George Auchinleck of Balmanno