Catherine Of Aragon

## History

### Early Life

Catherine (Catalina) was born to Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon. She received a rather extensive education, as well as a strong religious upbringing. She was educated in arithmetic, literature, history, politics, and theology, as well as domestic skills such as cooking, needlepoint, dancing, and music.

### Engagement to Arthur

When she was only three years old, she was betrothed to the crown prince of England, Prince Arthur. The two of them were married by proxy, and corresponded with one another in Latin, never meeting in person until they were married in 1501, when she was 16 and the prince 15. Unfortunately, her new husband died only five months later. For the next seven years, Catherine remained in England, essentially imprisoned as the question of her dowry was debated. In 1507, however, she held the position of a Spanish ambassador, the first female to do so in European History. In 1509, she became the wife to Prince Arthur's younger brother, Henry VIII, who had recently become the king.

### Queen of England

In June of 1509, Catherine married the newly crowned Henry VIII, and soon after was crowned as Queen Consort of England. Immediately, Catherine showed herself to be an excellent queen. By 1513, Henry even titled her as the Regent of England whilst he was away on military campaign. Catherine even once rode forth to address troops herself. She and the King tried multiple times to have a child, and faced many a tragedy of stillbirths, miscarriages, and one infant death before she finally delivered her beloved daughter, Mary.

## Appearance

Catherine is an attractive woman in her mid thirties. She has short brown hair, which she usually keeps covered beneath a beaded snood. Although she has many dresses, she shows a strong preference towards brown and red brocades. She wears many jewels, especially pearls and rubies, and a golden crown.

## Personality

Catherine is a woman who knows how to play her cards right. She has shown great tact with both military and social matters, enough so that even the stubborn King Henry is known to lend her his ear. Of course, she has also learned how to get his attention in other ways (ie Puppy Dog Eyes). She uses her grand education well, and champions the growing popularity of female education, demanding the best for her daughter, Mary. Queen Catherine has also been known to be quite mischievous, especially when she is around Claude of France.

### Likes and Dislikes

#### Likes

* Mischief
* Jousting
* Dancing
* Horses

## Relationships

### Family

#### King Henry: Husband

Catherine and Henry have always had a bit of a tumultuous relationship. They first became acquainted not with the intent of marriage, but as in-laws, as Catherine was first married to Henry's older brother Arthur. The constant delays to their marriage, as well as the fact that she was his brother's widow, made their wedding a bit awkward, but both seemed happy with it, as they did consider one another something of friends. Catherine's multiple miscarriages put a lot of strain on their union, as Henry was, and still is, desperate for a son.

#### Princess Mary: Daughter

Catherine has maintained a relatively close relationship with her daughter, and has done her best to give the princess all that she can in terms of a good education and a proper upbringing. However, there are still times that Mary tires of the pressure that the Queen puts onto her as the crown princess, and wishes that she could be free to explore her own life.

#### Elijah: Ward

Magnus is the queen's ward, and the closest thing she has come to having a son. Their relationship is one of mutual care, though the queen cannot deny that at times her beloved ward causes her some strife.

#### Princessa Catherine: Niece

Princess Catherine of Austria is Queen Catherine's niece. Although they were not particularly close whilst the Princessa was growing up, they have since reunited, and seem to enjoy their time together.

### Friends

#### Claude: Friend, Rival, and Partner in Crime

The queens are an interesting pair. They seem to alternate between viewing one another as friends or rivals. At times, they have been known to bicker, while at other times the two of them can be found conspiring with one another.

## Interactions

* Ask if she and Queen Claude are causing mischief. (the answer is yes. its always yes.)

## Gallery

Historical PortraitSignatureThe Royal Family