David Rizzio, sometimes written as
David Riccio or
David Rizzo (c. 1533 – 9 March 1566), was an Italian
courtier, born close to
Turin, a descendant of an ancient and noble family still living in Piedmont, the Riccio Counts di San Paolo e Solbrito, who rose to become the private secretary of
Mary, Queen of Scots. Mary's husband,
Lord Darnley, is said to have been jealous of their friendship, because of rumours that he had impregnated Mary, and joined in a
conspiracy of
Protestant nobles, led by
Patrick Ruthven, 3rd Lord Ruthven, to murder him. The murder was the catalyst for the downfall of Darnley, and it had serious consequences for Mary's subsequent career.