Katherine of Aragon, Spanish Princess - by Heather R Darsie (Hardcover)

About the Book

Using untapped archival material, Heather R. Darsie reveals the real Katherine, a woman in her own right and not a figure defined by the machinations of her husband.

Book Synopsis

Katharine of Aragon is more in the public consciousness now due to the TV show 'Spanish Princess'. Katharine has of course been an interesting historical figure for quite some time because she is the first wife of the infamous Henry VIII. This book provides a new perspective on Katharine because it includes far more background on her Spanish upbringing, Spanish culture, and how that continued to define her in England during her first fifteen years in the country. Additionally, Heather uses rich primary sources, such as 'The Receyt of Ladie Kateryne', which have either not been sourced or infrequently referred to in other biographies about Katharine. In this, Heather's multilingual abilities - especially her fluent Spanish - are put to good use. No one, for example, has considered he rippling impact of terminating Katharine's marriage on the Trastamara and Habsburg dynasties in Europe. Katherine was as important abroad as she was in England.

Review Quotes

'I haven't read anything quite like this book before and it was so fascinating!'--Tudor Blogger, June 2025

'Katharine of Aragon, Spanish Princess lays the groundwork for understanding the queen she would later become. Compelling and informative, this is recommended for anyone interested in Tudor history and the lives of royal women.'--The Writing Desk, May 2025

'This is yet another triumph by Darsie. It is extremely informative, meticulously researched, and easy to read. It gives the reader a better understanding of not only Spanish royalty and its complexity, but also a better appreciation of Katharine of Aragon. If you want an excellent book exploring the life of King Henry VIII's first wife from a different perspective, I highly recommend you read "Katharine of Aragon, Spanish Princess: 'I Am Not as Simple as I May Seem'" by Heather R. Darsie.'--Adventures of a Tudor Nerd, May 2025

'An incisive, illuminating and impressive study that probes deep into the background of Katharine of Aragon, masterfully explored by one of our most engaging historians.'--Nathen Amin, author of Son of Prophecy: The Rise of Henry Tudor

'This vivid and scholarly reappraisal by Heather Darsie casts Queen Katharine of Aragon in a brilliant and compelling new light, placing her Spanish heritage and sharp intellect at the story's heart. No longer simply a supporting player in Henry VIII's "Great Matter", Katharine takes centre stage as a commanding, complex, and formidable political actor.'--Dr Owen Emmerson, author of Catherine and Anne: Queens, Rivals, Mothers

About the Author

Heather R. Darsie is an independent researcher in the US specializing in early modern history. She focuses on researching the Holy Roman Empire and England in the early 16th century. She is the author of Anna, Duchess of Cleves and Catherine of Aragon - Spanish Princess. She runs the website MaidensAndManuscripts.com.