Catherine of Aragon: An Intimate Life of Henry VIII's True Wife

Catherine of Aragon continues to fascinate readers 500 years after she became Henry VIIIs first queen. Her life was one of passion and determination of suffering and hope but ultimately it is a tragic love story as circumstances conspired against her. Having lost her first husband Henrys elder brother Prince Arthur she endured years of ill health and penury to make a dazzling second match in Henry VIII. There is no doubt that she was Henrys true love compatible with him in every respect and for years she presided over a majestic court as the personification of his ideal woman.However Catherines body failed her in an age when fertility was a prerequisite of political stability. When it became clear that she could no longer bear children the kings attention turned elsewhere and his once chivalric devotion became resentment. Catherines final years were spent in lonely isolation but she never gave up her vision: she was devoted to her faith her husband and to England to the extent that she was prepared to be martyred for them. Banished and close to death she wrote a final letter to her most dear lord and husband. I pardon you everything... mine eyes desire you above all things. The fidelity of this remarkable woman never wavered.