Mary Tudor Duchess of Suffolk Cropped image from the wedding portrait, attributed to Jan Gossaert, c. 1516

Mary Tudor was born on 18 March 1496 at Shene Palace, London, Surrey, England, as the fifth child of Henry VII of England and Elizabeth of York. She was the youngest of her siblings to survive infancy. Her early education included instruction in French, Latin, music, dancing, and embroidery, and she was known for her beauty and grace.

In 1507, Mary was betrothed to Charles, the future Holy Roman Emperor, but the engagement was later called off. At the age of 18, she married King Louis XII of France on 9 October 1514, becoming Queen of France. The marriage was short-lived, as Louis XII died on 1 January 1515, leaving Mary a widow without children.

Following Louis's death, Mary secretly married Charles Brandon, 1st Duke of Suffolk, on 3 March 1515 in France. This marriage was initially without the consent of her brother, King Henry VIII, but was later pardoned after the couple paid a large fine. Mary and Charles had four children together, including Frances Grey, Duchess of Suffolk, and Eleanor Clifford, Countess of Cumberland.

Mary spent much of her time at Westhorpe Hall in Suffolk after her marriage to Charles Brandon. She was known to have a strained relationship with her brother Henry VIII due to her opposition to his annulment from Catherine of Aragon. Mary also had a strong dislike for Anne Boleyn, whom she had met during her time in France.

Mary's health was fragile throughout her life, and she suffered from multiple illnesses. She was described as lively and cheerful, with a fondness for music and dancing. Her beauty was praised by contemporaries, including her first husband, Louis XII.

Mary Tudor died on 25 June 1533 at Westhorpe Hall, Suffolk, at the age of 37. Her funeral was conducted with much ceremony, and she was initially buried at Bury St Edmunds Abbey before being moved to St. Mary's Church, Bury St. Edmunds.

Mary Tudor's death did not lead to any direct succession issues, as she was not in line for the English throne. Her legacy continued through her daughter Frances, who was the mother of Lady Jane Grey, the nine-day queen of England.