Katherine Parr

Katherine Parr and Henry VIII met when she secured a position in Princess Mary's household in late 1542. 

Katherine was, by most accounts, vivacious, attractive and a scholar. She was also 30 years old, a mature contrast to Catherine Howard, and a more sensible choice for an ailing King in need of a nurse as much as a wife.

Why did Henry marry Katherine?

By 1543, Katherine had already been married (and widowed) twice but was in love with Thomas Seymour. She gave him up to marry the King.

This was as much a sign of her pious adherence to what she saw as God’s will as – perhaps – a practical acceptance that Henry wouldn’t last forever.

Katherine married Henry on 12 July 1543 at Hampton Court Palace.

A keen patron of the arts, Katherine was the first English queen to write and publish her own books.

Image: A line engraving of Katherine Parr by William Camden Edwards, after Hans Holbein the Younger, © National Portrait Gallery, London

Stability and unity

Katherine was a loving stepmother to Henry's three children and brought unity to the family.

Princess Elizabeth was particularly fond of her stepmother and Katherine took custody of the 14-year-old Elizabeth after Henry's death.