Charlie Fenton’s Reviews > Plantagenet Princess, Tudor Queen: The Story of Elizabeth of York > Status Update

‘The midwife arrived just in time to deliver the queen of a thin, weakly crying baby girl. Named Catherine for the several wonderful women of that name that Elizabeth cherished in her life, the baby was quickly placed in the care of nurses as doctors were called upon to see to the queen. Despite their best efforts and the prayers of many, Elizabeth’s health seemed to fail further.’

‘Catherine of Aragon rode into London amidst cheers from a pressing crowd. Every man, woman, and child hoped for a glimpse of the woman who would be the next queen of England. She did not disappoint. Perched upon a highly decorated mule, Catherine could have been an angel from heaven with her white skirts spread out around her and her light auburn hair flowing down to veil her small body from view.‘

‘“I am confused, Rodrigo. I hide nothing from you. Truthfully, he is closer in appearance to my brother, Edward, than to Richard, but I, their sister, would know if he were either. Between you and I, I suspect that he is a product of one of my father’s dalliances.” She knew that it was dangerous to confess so much to a man with the ear of the Spanish monarchs, but he would have observed the truth for himself.’

‘Ruling over the household and his sisters, in practice if not in name, was Henry’s namesake, Prince Harry. At almost six, Harry was the spitting image of Elizabeth’s father. Were he the one to be king after his father, it would be as if the Plantagenets had never given way to the Tudors, Elizabeth thought ruefully.‘

‘Harry’s hair shone particularly red against the white of the snow, and Elizabeth couldn’t help but allow a smile to turn up the corners of her mouth as she watched him allow his sister to pelt him with snowballs. Already learning the rules of chivalry, he dared not toss any her way, but instead focused his attack on the king’s ward, Charles Brandon.’

‘Could this be her youngest brother? It was possible since her brothers had not been seen since September of 1483. Did she believe it was? It would mean her sons were disinherited, her husband a usurper, and she a fraudulent queen. Once again she asked herself if she believed that Richard could have killed them. Mixed messages swarmed her memories. She didn’t know, but she had to support her husband.’

‘Margaret was a needy child and Elizabeth missed the immediate bond that she had felt with Arthur. Too often she found herself handing over the crying child to a wet-nurse after losing patience with her. Remarkably, Henry seemed more forgiving of the child’s screaming. If he were in attendance when the crying began, he would pace the room, bouncing the baby gently, while crooning to her in a low voice.‘

‘London had loved her father and transferred their love to her when he died. It was for her sake, and that of their pocketbooks, that they gave such loyalty to Henry Tudor. If they could not have a York king, they would settle for a York queen. Three days of celebration would solidify Henry’s reign in the eyes of loyal Yorkists in a way that his marriage and his son had not yet done.‘

‘Arthur filled Elizabeth’s days with happiness. She no longer took note of evenings when Henry worked late into the night, though she was joyful when he appeared. Her heart was filled with love for the tiny human that had been created between them. Each gaze of his grey eyes and grasp of his tiny fingers bound her to him in a connection she had never felt with any other person.‘

‘“Surely that is for you to decide, as he is your son and heir. I have a feeling though, that you will like the name that has been placed upon my heart for him.” She lifted the sleeping child and kissed his button of a nose. “I believe he will someday be King Arthur.” She lifted him to his father in a private ceremony more moving to Henry than his own coronation.’