Katharina Battenberg

***Spoiler warning:** Plot and/or ending details follow.*

**Princess Katharina Brigitta Battenberg (née Wahl), Duchess of Kent and Strathearn** is a protagonist in the *Her and I* and *Him and I* novels.

## History

### Life before books

Katharina was born Katharina Brigitta Wahl to her parents Lord Heinrich and Lady Caroline Wahl in Hamburg, Germany. She had two older sisters, Johanna and Frieda, both of whom perished in 1803, in a sailing incident that nearly claimed Katharina as well. Following the tragedy, Katharina was sent to Königsberg where she was brought up by her aunt, Dowager Marianne Albrecht. During her time there, Katharina learned that she was in fact a demigod, and her true father was Zeus. For the rest of her childhood, Dowager Albrecht trained her in combat. In 1810, Katharina began a courtship with Lord William Battenberg, and the pair were married and moved to Berlin. The following year, Katharina gave birth to a daughter named Marianne Alma Battenberg, after Dowager Albrecht. In 1812, the Battenberg estate was robbed, and both William and Marianne were killed in the process, though Katharina survived. Following William's death, his brother (Katharina's brother-in-law), Lord Ulrich Battenberg, laid claim to her estate, forcing Katharina to flee to London.

## Personality

Katharina is very proper and considered 'perfect' by societal standards. However, she considers this to be a very superficial and surface-level version of herself. Katharina is also witty and sarcastic, with a temper that she has learned to control over time. Nonetheless, she is very prideful and often tries to get the last word in.

Likely due to her German background, Katharina can be very blunt and straightforward. However, she is very caring and loyal to those close to her, and shows great motherly instincts.

As a demigod, Katharina exhibits great intelligence, as seen when she quickly picked up English following her move to London (as well as her knowledge of German, French, Russian, and Spanish), as well as her cleverness in solving problems. Katharina also shows strong bravery, as seen by her willingness to sacrifice herself for her husband and daughter. She also possesses impressive combat skill, both thanks to training with her aunt, and powers from her father.

Katharina is very guarded, and feels guilty for moving on from her late husband. She is harsh to those she feels herself growing attached to, both out of fear and guilt.

## Appearance

Katharina is considered to be of great beauty, as noted by Peggy. She has long light blonde hair which she wears in ringlets, large blue eyes that slant upwards, a small pointed nose, and soft pink lips. She is said to wear a stern look at most times, but when her face softens to a smile she becomes a new person.

## Relationships

### Romantic

#### William Battenberg

Katharina and William were a very devoted couple, and loved each other very much. Early into knowing each other, Katharina was smitten by his sense of humour and sarcastic nature. Katharina cared deeply for William, and was very protective over him from monsters. Following the birth of their daughter, she was delighted to find that he was a natural father. When monsters attacked their home and killed both William and their daughter, Katharina was devastated and heartbroken, which she vowed she would never overcome.