Charlie Fenton’s Reviews > Catherine Carey in a Nutshell > Status Update

‘Elizabeth was distraught by her cousin’s sudden passing. Her doleful state was remarked upon by many of her visitors and she used her own funds to pay for an elaborate - almost royal - funeral at Westminster. The payments by warrant of the privy seal for the year running from 20 July 1568 to 9 July 1569 list a payment of £640. 2s. 11d. for her burial.’

‘True to Elizabeth’s word, both Francis and Catherine received lucrative positions immediately upon their return from Germany. Catherine was appointed chief lady of the privy chamber and Francis was named vice chamberlain and appointed to the privy council. Coveted positions in the household were also given to daughters Lettice and Elizabeth Knollys.’

‘The family returned to England upon the ascension of Catherine’s cousin, Elizabeth, and both were immediately appointed to positions at court. Catherine was named chief lady of the privy chamber and Francis attained the post of vice chamberlain of the queen’s household. It had been some time since husband and wife were both in attendance on the reigning monarch’

‘If Mary was sleeping with both the king and her husband, the most likely scenario is that the paternity of Catherine was simply unknown. DNA tests didn’t exist in Tudor times and there was no reason for the king to claim a female child that may not have been his. He most certainly would not have been willing to risk his burgeoning relationship with Mary’s sister or undermine the legitimacy of any future heirs’