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Philippa Gregory

The Constant Princess

Part of "The Plantagenet and Tudor Novels" series

"The Constant Princess" by Philippa Gregory is a historical fiction novel that tells the story of Catalina of Aragon, who later became Queen Catherine of England. The novel begins with Catalina as a young princess in Spain, determined to marry the Prince of Wales, Arthur, and become Queen of England. Despite the obstacles in her path, including her husband's early death and her father-in-law's refusal to recognize her as Queen, Catalina remains steadfast in her convictions and her belief in her destiny. Gregory's portrayal of Catalina is both sympathetic and complex. She is depicted as a strong and intelligent woman, who is fiercely loyal to her family and her country. At the same time, she is also shown to be vulnerable and human, struggling with the loss of her husband and the challenges of navigating the political landscape of the English court. One of the strengths of "The Constant Princess" is Gregory's attention to historical detail. The novel is meticulously researched, and the world of Tudor England is brought to life with vivid detail. Gregory's portrayal of Catalina's relationship with her first husband, Arthur, is particularly noteworthy. While historical accounts of their marriage are limited, Gregory creates a convincing and moving portrayal of a young couple in love, who are tragically separated by death. Another strength of the novel is Gregory's exploration of the theme of identity. Throughout the novel, Catalina is forced to confront questions about who she is and what she truly believes in. Is she Catalina of Aragon, Princess of Spain, or is she Catherine of England, Queen in her own right? These questions are particularly relevant in light of Catalina's eventual marriage to Arthur's brother, Henry VIII, and her subsequent struggle to maintain her position as Queen. Overall, "The Constant Princess" is a compelling and engaging novel that will appeal to fans of historical fiction. Gregory's portrayal of Catalina is both nuanced and sympathetic, and her attention to historical detail is impressive. The novel is a testament to the power of determination and the strength of the human spirit, and it is a fitting tribute to a remarkable woman who has been largely forgotten by history...