Catherine Knollys

Catherine Carey, later known as Catherine Knollys after her marriage to Sir Francis Knollys, was a significant figure in the Tudor court, holding the position of Chief Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Elizabeth I, her first cousin. Her parents were William Carey, a gentleman of Henry VIII’s Privy Chamber, and Mary Boleyn, a former mistress of the king. There has been speculation among historians about her possible illegitimacy as a child of Henry VIII, which would also make her Elizabeth I’s half-sister. Catherine served as Maid of Honour to two of Henry VIII’s wives and was a Protestant who, along with her husband, sought refuge in Germany during Queen Mary I’s reign. Elizabeth I appointed her Chief Lady of the Bedchamber, a role she combined with motherhood to a large family. She died at Hampton Court Palace and was buried at Westminster Abbey.