Catherine Parr

Catherine Parr, born in Blackfriars, London, England, was the last of King Henry VIII’s six wives, marrying him on 12 July 1543 and remaining queen until his death on 28 January 1547. As queen consort, she was known for her close relationship with Henry’s children—Mary, Elizabeth, and Edward—and played a significant role in the education of Elizabeth and Edward. Catherine was instrumental in the passing of the Third Succession Act in 1543, which restored Mary and Elizabeth to the line of succession. She was also appointed regent during Henry’s military campaign in France in 1544, though she was not included in government functions in his will. After Henry’s death, she became the guardian to her stepdaughter Elizabeth.

Catherine was a learned woman, fluent in French, Latin, and Italian, and started learning Spanish after becoming queen. She published three books, including ‘Psalms or Prayers’ and ‘Prayers or Meditations,’ becoming the first English queen to publish under her own name. Despite facing opposition and a warrant for her arrest due to her Protestant sympathies, she reconciled with the king before his death. Catherine married Thomas Seymour, 1st Baron Seymour of Sudeley, in 1547 and died on 5 September 1548 due to complications from childbirth, leaving behind her only child, Mary Seymour. She was buried in St. Mary’s Chapel, Sudeley Castle.