By 1420, James's standing at Henry V of England's court improved greatly; he ceased to be regarded as a hostage and more of a guest. James's value to Henry became apparent in 1420 when he accompanied Henry to France where his presence was used against the Scottish troops fighting alongside the French. Following the English victory at the siege of Melun, a town southeast of Paris, Scottish prisoners of war captured after the siege were hanged for treason against their king.Brown, James I, p. 23 James attended the coronation of Catherine of Valois on 23 February 1421 and was honoured by sitting immediately on the left of queen at the coronation banquet. thumb|150px|A modern depiction of Joan Beaufort In March, Henry began a circuit of the important towns in England as a show of strength, and during this tour James was knighted on Saint George's Day. By July, the two kings were back campaigning in France where James, evidently approving of Henry's methods of kingship, seemed content to endorse his claims to the French crown. Henry appointed the Duke of Bedford and James as the joint commanders of the siege of Dreux on 18 July 1421 and, on 20 August, they received the surrender of the garrison.Wylie and Waugh, Reign of Henry the Fifth, pp. 326–327 Henry died of dysentery on 31 August 1422 and, in September, James was part of the escort taking Henry's body back to London.
By 1420, James's standing at Henry V of England's court improved greatly; he ceased to be regarded as a hostage and more of a guest. James's value to Henry became apparent in 1420 when he accompanied Henry to France where his presence was used against the Scottish troops fighting alongside the French. Following the English victory at the siege of Melun, a town southeast of Paris, Scottish prisoners of war captured after the siege were hanged for treason against their king.Brown, James I, p. 23 James attended the coronation of Catherine of Valois on 23 February 1421 and was honoured by sitting immediately on the left of queen at the coronation banquet. thumb|150px|A modern depiction of Joan Beaufort In March, Henry began a circuit of the important towns in England as a show of strength, and during this tour James was knighted on Saint George's Day. By July, the two kings were back campaigning in France where James, evidently approving of Henry's methods of kingship, seemed content to endorse his claims to the French crown. Henry appointed the Duke of Bedford and James as the joint commanders of the siege of Dreux on 18 July 1421 and, on 20 August, they received the surrender of the garrison.Wylie and Waugh, Reign of Henry the Fifth pp. 326–327 Henry died of dysentery on 31 August 1422 and, in September, James was part of the escort taking Henry's body back to London.