Katherine & Henry Had a Happy (Early) Marriage
After Prince Arthur’s death, Henry VII betrothed his second son, Henry, to Katherine. But Henry VII lost interest in a Spanish alliance and coerced his son into breaking the betrothal. This could have set Henry VIII up as a free man in the European marriage market, but he chose to marry Katherine after Henry VII’s death. She was six years older than him, and his brother’s widow, but he loved her for their common interests. Her intelligence and wit meant interesting conversations about a variety of things; arts, religion, sports, things Henry pursued with passion. His respect and love for her meant he trusted her with his throne, making her regent while he was away in France in 1513.