The Story ● 物語

"In this world I will confess myself to be the king's true wife, and in the next they will know how unreasonably I am afflicted."

ueen Katherine of Aragon was once described as the most beloved Queen in English history. Born on December 15, 1485 at Alcala de Henares, Madrid, she was the last child of Ferdinand of Aragon, King of Spain and Isabella, Queen of Castile.

"Humble & Loyal"

Katherine left Spain in 1501 to marry Arthur, Prince of Wales who was the oldest son of King Henry VII. They were wed on November 14, 1501 at St. Pauls Cathedral, London. After only a few short months together he passed away on April 2, 1502, due to the sweating sickness. Katherine survived through the sickness, but was left a widow. She then became engaged to his brother, Henry VIII and married him in 1509 when he inherited the throne. Their relationship was a healthy and happy one for many years.

Katherine was of considerable education, culture, and was capable of ruling the kingdom while Henry was gone during the French Campaigns. She was a great patron of education and contributed funds to Oxford and Cambridge universities. Katherine had six children with Henry between 1510 and 1518. All of them died except one girl, Mary I. Henry decided to have his marriage annuled on the basis that it wasn't right to marry his brother's widow. He wanted to remarry because he was desperate for a male heir to avoid war over succession, and was at the same time deeply in love with a younger, more beautiful Anne Boleyn. Katherine was banished from court and died on 7 January 1536, broken-hearted but still defiant.