Nobleman. The son of George, 7th Lord Seton, who was Ambassador to France, where the younger Seton was educated. His father was a loyal supporter of Mary, Queen of Scots (1542-87), and he became a close friend and mentor to the young King James VI (1566 - 1625), who created him Earl of Winton in 1600. Following his father's death in 1586, Seton inherited debt-ridden estates in East Lothian, but was to restore the family fortunes and spent money improving his property, including renewing Cockenzie Harbour.
He died at Seton Palace and his funeral at the adjacent Seton Collegiate Church took place as King James VI was setting out for London to take the throne of England.