The Constant Princess

The Constant Princess – Philippa Gregory

Catalina, the youngest daughter of Isabella and Ferdinand, the powerful Catholic monarchs of Spain, has been promised since childhood to Arthur, the Prince of Wales and heir to the English throne. Raised in the beauty of the Alhambra in Granada, she has been taught that it is her destiny to become Queen of England.

The Constant Princess, by bestselling historical novelist Philippa Gregory, tells the story of the young woman who became known as Katherine of Aragon. When Catalina arrives in England, she finds a cold, damp country with strange customs. But her marriage to Arthur becomes a true love match, and the young couple dream of ruling together. Then tragedy strikes when Arthur dies suddenly, leaving Katherine a widow with an uncertain future.

Determined to fulfill her destiny and the promise she made to Arthur, Katherine endures years of poverty, humiliation and political maneuvering at the English court, as Spain and England bargain over her future. Her patience and determination are finally rewarded when she marries Arthur’s younger brother, the new King Henry VIII. As queen, she proves to be a capable leader, even leading England’s forces while Henry is away at war.

Gregory blends historical detail with imaginative storytelling, offering a portrait of a strong, intelligent and resilient woman, and exploring one of the most debated questions of Tudor history concerning her first marriage.

Absorbing and richly detailed, The Constant Princess is a must-read for fans of Philippa Gregory and of historical fiction about the Tudors and Renaissance Spain. It contains some mature content.