Catherine of Aragon is one of those historical figures I feel so strongly about it is hard to put into words. She was the daughter of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella "the Catholic" of Spain, who were the Christian champions of Europe. The young princess was born at war, on campaign with her parents who were fighting to drive the Muslim Moors out of Spain. She was destined from childhood to marry the heir to the Tudor throne of England, Prince Arthur. She was given the best possible education, as well as a proper religious upbringing before being sent to England to marry. Sadly, after a marriage of only a few weeks, Prince Arthur died and Catherine was a widow. As other negotiated for her to marry Arthur's brother Henry, Catherine had to endure a great deal of hardship from Henry VII.
Ultimately, Catherine was married to Henry, and when Henry VII died, she accompanied her husband who was crowned King Henry VIII alongside her as Queen of England. Their marriage was to last 25 years, but the happy begining would prove misleading. Catherine had expected to follow the example of her own mother and father, who ruled Spain as partners. Henry VIII, however, wanted a wife to be submissive. Yet, he did leave Queen Catherine as regent when he went to war with France. Catherine was able to show her abilities when the Scots decided to take advantage of the King's absence and invade northern England. The Queen sent troops north and the Scots were soundly defeating, King James IV himself being killed in the battle. When not occupied with royal matters, Catherine spent most of her time in prayer and on pilgrimage. Her devout faith was legendary, and the people adored her for her generosity, kindness and piety.
Sadly, Catherine was not fortunate in child-bearing. A succession of births resulted only in stillborn babies or ones whose life was measured only in hours. Her only surviving child was her beloved daughter Mary, who she raised to be intelligent and pious as her mother had raised her. The lack of a son, and the fact that Henry VIII was already in lust with one of his wife's ladies in waiting meant that the King would try to rid himself of his Spanish bride. The Queen remained devoted to her husband, professing her love for him even as he tried to ruin her, while also working to show that their marriage was valid in every way. Ultimately, the Pope found that there was no cause to declare the marriage invalid and Henry VIII officially broke ties with Rome and declared himself to be "Supreme Head" of the Church of England.
Henry wished for Catherine to go quietly away to a convent, but she refused to give up what was rightfully hers and abandon her family and her daughter to Henry and his mistress Anne Boleyn. She refused to abandon her faith and her allegiance to the Holy Father, but all |
