Philippa Gregory

A richly detailed fictional portrait of Henry VIII's first wife, Katherine of Aragon, the daughter of Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand of Spain, follows her from her passionate youthful marriage to Henry's older brother, Arthur, her widowhood, her marriage to Henry and her denial of her true love for Arthur, and the divorce that led to Henry's second marriage to Anne Boleyn.

The constant princess

Splendid and sumptuous historical novel from this internationally bestselling author, telling of the early life of Katherine of Aragon. We think of her as the barren wife of a notorious king; but behind this legacy lies a fascinating story.Katherine of Aragon is born Catalina, the Spanish Infanta, to parents who are both rulers and warriors. Aged four, she is betrothed to Arthur, Prince of Wales, and is raised to be Queen of England. She is never in doubt that it is her destiny to rule that far-off, wet, cold land.Her faith is tested when her prospective fahter-in-law greets her arrival in her new country with a great insult; Arthur seems little better than a boy; the food is strange and the customs coarse. Slowly she adapts to the first Tudor court, and life as Arthur's wife grows ever more bearable. But when the studious young man dies, she is left to make her own future: how can she now be queen, and found a dynasty? Only by marrying Arthur's young brother, the sunny but spoilt Henry. His father and grandmother are against it; her powerful parents prove little use. Yet Katherine is her mother's daughter and her fighting spirit is strong. She will do anything to achieve her aim; even if it means telling the greatest lie, and holding to it.Philippa Gregory proves yet again that behind the apparently familiar face of history lies an astonishing story: of women warriors influencing the future of Europe, of revered heroes making deep mistakes, and of an untold love story which changes the fate of a nation.

The Constant Princess

Ley Stanton

Philippa Gregory is known for taking liberties with history in her books but this is a whole new level, even for her. I found the pacing of this book horrendous. It spends a great deal of time on her early life and spends only one short chapter on her divorce with Henry. If she wanted such a focus on Katherine’s early years of marriage then this should have been split into a second book to show Katherine’s perspective on the divorce proceedings.

Ela Tukutukulevu

The book is a retelling of the historical figure, Princess Katherine of Aragon, her rise and fall to power and everything else in between. she was betrothed to Prince Arthur heir of Henry VII of England being so young and ambitious she believed that everything would fall into place, unfortunately she thought wrong (if you are aware of her story). The difference between history and this beautiful book is that Ms Gregory gives us a whole backstory to this woman, and showcases her passion and determination  despite the many unfortunate events that befell her. Her faith and and unwavering willingness to her country were the driving forces of her life. This fine piece of historical fiction, entails a more personal account where the author gives voice to the Queen’s thoughts, emotions and experiences throughout her journey to being the Queen that she was. This is a beautifully written novel in the Tudor court series, I thoroughly enjoyed experiencing a more intimate understanding of this young woman despite the fact that this was a work of fiction.

I am in love with this authors way of creating such beautiful stories behind these historical women. Will definitely be reading more of her books very soon

Sarah Escorsa

Yet another fantastic read from Philippa Gregory! Once I started this book I just couldn't put it down:)

Catalina Petre

I do not have words enough to praise this book. i loved every single page. This is my second book by P. Gregory and i was thrilled by it.
i can say i thoroughly enjoyed the narrative technique and the insight i gained from reading Katherine's thoughts regarding the events. it was a wonderful effect and a most refreshing reading. i enjoyed getting to know her story, although fictional. I have created a new image of this Queen that falls into oblivion when we speak about Henry's wives. 
I also enjoyed the enduring and strong love story between her and Arthur, its beginning and development. it was a sad even which made her even stronger and transformed the scared girl into the Queen England needed. 
This is a must read for everyone who enjoys historical fiction

The constant princess

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