Using untapped archival material, Heather R. Darsie reveals the real Katherine, a woman in her own right and not a figure defined by the machinations of her husband.
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 family on the throne. Much excitement surrounded the safe arrival of Katharine of Aragon from Spain to England. She and her husband-to-be, Arthur Tudor, were engaged years before and spent their time exchanging letters in Latin, the only common language they shared.Katharine of Aragon has of course always been a fascinating historical figure as the first wife of the infamous Henry VIII. This book provides a new perspective on Katharine because it includes far more background on her Spanish upbringing and her Spanish culture, and how that continued to define her in England. Heather Darsie uses rich primary sources, such as the anonymous Receyt of Ladie Kateryne, which have been infrequently referenced in other biographies. In this, Heather’s multilingual abilities – especially her fluent Spanish – are put to good use.No one, for example, has considered the rippling impact of terminating Katharine’s marriage on the Trastamara and Habsburg dynasties in Europe. Katherine was as important abroad as she was in England. Her mother Isabella was a usurper and so was Henry VII; their attempts to ‘legitimise’ each other are examined here for the first time.How relevant to the history of England is Katherine’s Spanish background? Her daughter is Mary I.
‘An incisive, illuminating and impressive study that probes deep into the background of Katharine of Aragon, masterfully explored by one of our most engaging historians.’ -- Nathen Amin, author of Son of Prophecy: The Rise of Henry Tudor
‘This vivid and scholarly reappraisal by Heather Darsie casts Queen Katharine of Aragon in a brilliant and compelling new light, placing her Spanish heritage and sharp intellect at the story’s heart. No longer simply a supporting player in Henry VIII’s “Great Matter”, Katharine takes centre stage as a commanding, complex, and formidable political actor.’ -- Dr Owen Emmerson, author of Catherine and Anne: Queens, Rivals, Mothers
'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.' -- The Writing Desk, May 2025
'This is yet another triumph by Darsie. It is extremely informative, meticulously researched, and easy to read. It gives the reader a better understanding of not only Spanish royalty and its complexity, but also a better appreciation of Katharine of Aragon. If you want an excellent book exploring the life of King Henry VIII’s first wife from a different perspective, I highly recommend you read “Katharine of Aragon, Spanish Princess: ‘I Am Not as Simple as I May Seem’” by Heather R. Darsie.' -- Adventures of a Tudor Nerd, May 2025
Heather R. Darsie is an independent researcher in the US specializing in early modern history. She focuses on researching the Holy Roman Empire and England in the early 16th century. She is the author of 'Anna, Duchess of Cleves', 'Children of the House of Cleves' and 'Katharine of Aragon, Spanish Princess'. Her primary career is as an attorney. She runs the website MaidensAndManuscripts.com.
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