Catherine of Aragon

Full Name: Catalina de Aragón
Profession: Spanish Princess, Queen of England

Nationality:

Biography: Catherine of Aragon played a significant role in English history and the English Reformation as the first wife of King Henry VIII.

Catherine was born in Spain in 1485, the youngest child of Queen Isabella I of Castile and King Ferdinand II of Aragon. At age three, she was betrothed to Arthur, Prince of Wales, and they married in 1501—but Arthur would die just five months later.

In 1507, Catherine served as the ambassador of the Aragonese crown to England, becoming the first known female ambassador in European history. Two years later, she married Henry VIII shortly after he became king.

As queen, Catherine was influential, including serving as regent in 1513 while Henry was fighting in France. She also gave a noted speech that contributed to the English victory at the Battle of Flodden. Catherine was further a patron of education and humanism, commissioning works by scholars and befriending intellectuals like Erasmus and Thomas More.

By 1526, however,Henry wanted to annul their marriage because they had no male heir and he had become infatuated with Anne Boleyn. When the Pope refused to grant the annulment, Henry broke away from the Catholic Church, leading to the English Reformation. Catherine defied Henry, refusing to accept the annulment or his authority over the Church.

Banished from court, Catherine spent her final years at Kimbolton Castle.

Born: December 16, 1485
Birthplace: Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
Star Sign: Sagittarius

Died: January 7, 1536 (aged 50)