On 4 November 1501, a fifteen-year-old girl arrived in England to marry the fifteen-year-old prince of that kingdom. Their parents, especially the boy’s, hoped that the marriage would secure the future of their
Heather R. Darsie’s Katharine of Aragon, Spanish Princess offers readers a meticulously researched and engaging journey into the early life of one of history's most iconic queens. Rather than focusing solely on her tumultuous marriage to Henry VIII, Darsie shines a much-needed light on Katharine's formative years in Spain, her lineage, and the political machinations that shaped her destiny
long before she set foot on English soil.
Not as simple as she seems
Much has been written about Katharine of Aragon, but Heather Darsie's new book begins with a deep dive into the world of the Spanish court. The Catholic Monarchs, Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon, ensure the young princess, born to become a valuable bride, is educated in diplomacy and the arts of governance.
The strategic importance of Katharine's marriage to Arthur, Prince of Wales, stems from a complex web of intricate European alliances, which place considerable pressure and expectations upon Katharine from a young age. The negotiations took over ten years and Katherine was betrothed at the age of eleven.
Heather Darsie draws a nuanced portrait of Katharine, who comes across as intelligent and capable, with an unwavering sense of duty. We witness her resilience in the face of early hardship, such as the untimely death of Prince Arthur within six months of her arrival, and the subsequent years of financial uncertainty in England.
I liked the insightful analysis of the cultural differences Katharine encounters on her arrival in England, and the challenges she faced in navigating a foreign court.
The quote in Heather’s subtitle, ‘I am not as simple as I may seem’ is attributed to Katharine, but I think Henry VII (and both his sons) found her anything but simple to deal with. Could it have been a wry comment on the English tendency to underestimate women?
The book focuses on Katharine's life before her marriage to Henry VIII, and we see the development of her strong will, her deep religious convictions, and her unwavering belief in her rights. These qualities would come to define her reign - and her resistance to Henry's desire for an annulment.
Katharine of Aragon, Spanish Princess lays the groundwork for understanding the queen she would later become. Compelling and informative, this is recommended for anyone interested in Tudor history and the lives of royal women.
Tony Riches
(A review copy was kindly provided by Amberley Publishing0
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