He says that his marriage to Katherine is not valid because she was not a virgin when he married her. Henry begins an affair with another woman who claims she is a true virgin.

They struggle to have children together, Katherine giving birth to a stillborn baby girl and a little boy who is alive for only a few days. While Henry remains self-centered and impulsive, even in his role as king, Katherine quickly overtakes his ruling and keeps the order in the court and her kingdom. The two are crowned King Henry and Queen Katherine. On their wedding night, Harry is unsure as to whether Catalina is actually a virgin, but he decides not to press the issue. A few years later, when Harry’s father passes away, Harry and Catalina quickly arrange their wedding. She makes it known that she intends to marry Harry, whose father approves of the union although he never intends to see the marriage become a reality. He promises from that day on to never upset her again and to always be by her side to protect her. Seeing her in this way has a moving effect on Arthur, so much so, he is surprised by the swell of emotion inside himself. On the way to Ludlow, Arthur’s poor attitude upsets Catalina so much that she begins to cry.

When she first meets Arthur, she is initially smitten with his good looks, but upon further inspection, she finds there is not much more about him that is interesting. As a young girl, Catalina is not yet aware of the profound impact these events will have on her future, and how her unique upbringing will prepare her to fill the greatest role of her life, as the Queen of England.Ĭatalina’s fate is laid out before her, and by three years old she is already promised to be the bride of Arthur, the Prince of Wales and the son of the King of England.

Her parents are fighting for Christianity, a cause that makes them participants in many wars. She has spent her entire childhood following her parents on various crusades, traveling, and on the battlefield. The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory, set in 1491, follows the story of Catalina, later to be known by the world as Katherine.

The constant princess book