The Constant Princess
The Constant Princess is a work of historical fiction authored by Philippa Gregory and released in 2005. The novel presents a dramatized portrayal of Catherine of Aragon's rise within the English monarchy.
Covering the period from Catherine's politically arranged union with Arthur, Prince of Wales to her contentious competition with Anne Boleyn for the position of Queen consort of England, the narrative features prominent historical personalities such as Henry VII of England, Henry VIII, Elizabeth of York, Lady Margaret Beaufort, Isabella I of Castille, Ferdinand II of Aragon, Joanna of Castile, Henry, Duke of Cornwall, and Mary I of England.
Plot summary
The novel begins with Catherine entering into a marriage arranged with Prince Arthur, which blossoms into a devoted relationship with aspirations to jointly govern England. Arthur’s death from the sweating sickness occurs just three months after their wedding, but before passing, he implores Catherine to declare their marriage unconsummated, preserving her eligibility to wed his brother, Henry VIII. Nevertheless, King Henry VII initially opposes this union, desiring Catherine for himself and even proposing marriage following Queen Elizabeth’s demise. Catherine firmly chooses to marry Henry VIII, understanding that marrying Henry VII would restrict her influence.
Years marked by financial strain ensue due to disagreements between the English monarchy and her Spanish family over her dowry. Her situation improves only after Henry VII’s death. Despite cautions against it, Henry VIII proceeds with their marriage, reinstating her status and allowing her to curtail Lady Margaret Beaufort’s sway at court.
Throughout her marriage, Catherine suffers a miscarriage during her first pregnancy and endures tension as Henry VIII takes mistresses. The early death of her second child, Henry, Duke of Cornwall, adds further challenges. She strategically forms political alliances, including aligning Henry VIII with her father against France and effectively leading English forces in repelling a Scottish invasion during Henry’s absence.
Gradually, Catherine comes to recognize that she is pursuing ambitions alongside Arthur's original vision. With only Princess Mary surviving among her offspring, the future stability of England remains precarious. While she tolerates Henry’s extramarital affairs, she confronts the rising threat posed by Anne Boleyn’s aspirations to queenship. The story concludes with Catherine preparing for a formal inquiry regarding the legitimacy of her marriage to Henry VIII.
Reception
Publishers Weekly commended Gregory for maintaining suspenseful storytelling despite the inevitability of historical events. The Historical Novel Society praised her captivating narrative approach enriched by well-established facts. A 2005 review from Kirkus Reviews highlighted the seamless fusion of historical detail and romantic elements, noting how Gregory animates history by infusing it with intimate romance.
Adaptations
- The Spanish Princess (2019–2020), a television series directed by Birgitte Stærmose, Daina Reid, Lisa Clarke, Stephen Woolfenden, Chanya Button, and Rebecca Gatward; this series draws upon both The Constant Princess and The King's Curse