"'l, Catherine, take thee, Henry, 'to my wedded husband." "'To have and to hold from this day forward 'for better, for worse for richer, for poorer, 'in sickness and in health 'to be bon aire and buxom in bed and at bawd 'till death us do part" "'and thereto l plight thee my troth.'" "'Catherine Howard Henry's fifth queen', 'was only a teenager when she married the King.'" "She was petite, pert and pretty." "She liked men and men liked her." "Henry was one of them." "He thought that he was the first and the only one." "He also thought that though he was fat and 5O she loved him as much as he loved her." "Catherine's problems began when Henry found out the truth, for young though she was, Catherine was a woman with a past." "(Bells tolling)" "(Girls giggling)" "'From the age of 10, Catherine was brought up 'in the household of her stepgrandmother, 'the Dowager Duchess of Norfolk." "'Her mother had died, young and her father 'though a nobleman, was constantly in debt." "'It was a conventional upbringing for a young Tudor woman 'but Catherine's behaviour was anything but conventional." "'She enjoyed the flattering attentions 'of various young men in the dowager's household." "'Her favourite was Francis Dereham 'a handsome gentleman retainer with an eye for the ladies." "'They exchanged love tokens 'and once were discovered kissing by the Duchess, 'who gave them both a good hiding." "'But it seems that neither was put off." "'As was usual in Tudor England, 'all the unmarried women of the Duchess's household 'slept in a single dormitory known as the Maiden's Chamber.'" "It contained several beds one of which Catherine shared with another lady-in-waiting." "In theory, the Maiden's Chamber was strictly out of bounds to the men of the household and the door was locked each night." "But the practice was very different." "The key was frequently stolen and favoured young gentlemen were free to come and go as they wished." "'There were midnight feasts and bedtime romps." "'Despite her unruly upbringing, Catherine was a member 'of the second most powerful family in Tudor England 'and thus a young woman with certain prospects." "'Howard daughters had often married well 'bringing great wealth and property into the family." "'Catherine's uncle the Duke of Norfolk' 'was head of this ambitious largely Catholic clan." "'He had already seen one of his nieces, Anne Boleyn, 'rise to Queen of England." "'Now, in late 1539 'he secured places at court, for two more of his nieces" "'Mary Norris and Catherine Howard.'" "(# Tudor music)" "'With barely a backward glance," "'Catherine left the Duchess's household 'to become lady-in-waiting to King Henry's fourth wife," "'Anne of Cleves." "'For the young girl from the Dowager's dubious academy, 'it was a dream come true." "'Court life was full of the things that Catherine loved - 'music, dancing, beautiful clothes, huge banquets 'and eligible young men." "'But it was an older, married man 'who immediately took interest in the teenage Catherine 'and began to lavish her with gifts and attention." "'For Henry, it was love at first sight." "'For Catherine it was nothing of the sort.'" "She was the chorus girl who'd got her tycoon and thought only of the size of his presents." "But Catherine's uncle, the Duke of Norfolk and his conservative allies spotted the opportunity to use Catherine as an unthinking pawn in a big political game that would deliver Henry from his unwanted queen, Anne of Cleves." "'Under Anne Catholics like the Howards 'had seen their influence attacked 'and they were eager to be rid of her." "'Henry's infatuation was a godsend." "'The Duke of Norfolk would use his niece 'to restore his fortunes and those of his political allies." "'Catherine was given advice on how often to see the King, 'on what to wear and on what to do when with him." "'When Henry sent Anne of Cleves away from court," "'Catherine withdrew to the Norfolk residence at Lambeth." "'Here the King visited her 'until his boat became a routine feature 'on the night-time Thames." "'In mid-July, Parliament formally ratified 'the annulment of Henry's marriage to Anne of Cleves." "'Two weeks later 'in a secret ceremony at Oatlands Palace in Surrey, 'the King married Catherine Howard." "'The royal couple's honeymoon lasted 10 days." "'Henry was infatuated with his young bride 'and wanted time alone with her." "'He had been unable to have sex with Anne of Cleves 'whom he suspected of not being a virgin." "'But Catherine, he thought, was his pure Tudor flower." "'The queen was cheerful and loving to her ageing husband 'and he was more than satisfied with her as a wife." "'But for her, this was not the young, impetuous love 'she'd known before." "'The husband whom Catherine had married seemed old 'very old to her.'" "When he'd come to the throne he had been the young,est king in Christendom and he still kept one or two young, favourite pages, whose charm good looks and athleticism reminded him of his earlier self." "But if for the King, youth was just a nostalgic memory, for his wife it was a seductive and all too easily available reality." "'Back at Hampton Court, the wedding celebrations continued 'with daily banquets and hunts." "'Although rejuvenated by his young wife," "'Henry was slowed down by an abscess on his leg 'that sometimes prevented him from walking, 'let alone riding or dancing." "'In contrast Catherine was in the prime of life, 'eager and energetic." "'She loved to dance and Henry indulged her." "'Sometimes he could only watch 'as she performed with the pick of his young gentlemen." "'For Catherine now every day was her birthday, 'as a doting Henry lavished gifts on her.'" "He gave her the Queen's great landed estate and a wardrobe of magnificent dresses." "But the climax of Henry's generosity came at New Year's Day 1541, when he gave her a treasure house of Jewels, everything was studded with diamonds and rubies of the largest size." "'Catherine took all this as her right." "'It never occurred to her that someone who is arrayed like a queen 'is expected to behave like a queen." "'Catherine's behaviour was under close scrutiny." "'The Howard family, currently riding high on her success, 'was depending on the giddy teenager not to let it down." "'Around her were many religious and political enemies of her uncle, 'waiting with eyes and ears open, 'ready to exploit any weakness or folly." "'That spring, the ageing King was frequently ill 'and bitterly disappointed that after six months of marriage" "'Catherine was not yet pregnant." "'He fell into depression and withdrew from court life." "'Henry looked to his wife to be a diverrting companion 'but Catherine lacked the necessary wit and patience." "'For a week in March Henry closed his doors to' her." "'Catherine was left to her own devices." "'Almost a year to the day after their wedding," "'Henry and Catherine left for their summer progress to north England." "'Good relations had been restored 'and the Queen played her ceremonial role flawlessly.'" "Throughout, Catherine was moon to Henry's sun." "She wore cloth of silver he wore cloth of gold." "The Yeomen of the Guard marched behind Catherine the pensioners with their silver halberds paraded behind Henry." "'Henry's delight in showing off his pretty young queen was evident." "'So too was the fact that Catherine despite her chaotic upbringing, 'had enough of the great lady 'to Carry off the part of Queen to perfection - 'in public, at least." "'But behind closed doors it was a very different story." "'Wherever the royal party stayed," "'Catherine spent much of her time away in her apartments 'and her ladies-in-waiting were refused entry." "'Gossip was rife." "'One rumour centred round the new appointment to her staff, 'a handsome young man from her past called Francis Dereham." "'Even the King was kept at a distance." "'In late August, at Pontefract Castle 'the head of his privy chamber came with a message 'from the King to the Queen." "'But when he tried to open the door to her apartments, 'he found it locked." "'In late autumn, 1541" "'Thomas Cranmer the Archbishop of Canterbury, 'was awaiting the return of the King and Queen 'from their summer progress." "'As a religious reformer," "'Cranmer was opposed to the influence of the Howards." "'Now he had the opportunity to do something about it, 'for recently he had received explosive information 'about the Queen's past." "'At the end of October" "'Henry and his Queen returned to Hampton Court." "'The King was still besotted with his teenage wife." "'On the 1st of November All Saints Day," "'Henry decided to share his happiness with the whole court.'" "So as the King knelt here in the Chapel Royal at Hampton Court, he ordered his confessor to offer up prayers on his behalf." "(Henry) 'l render thanks to thee, O, lord 'that after so many strange accidents 'that have befallen my marriages, 'thou hast been pleased to give me a wife 'so entirely conformed to my inclinations as her I now have.'" "Was it because he was now short-sighted and had to wear spectacles that he'd noticed nothing peculiar in the Queen's behaviour?" "Or was he just blinded by love?" "At any rate, Catherine could do nothing wrong." "'The very next day," "'Archbishop Cranmer handed a letter to the King." "'It outlined serious allegations about Catherine's youth 'from John Lascelles, a zealous Protestant." "'His sister Mary had shared the dormitory with Catherine 'and had told him details of relationships 'between the young Howard girl and two men." "'To Cranmer's surprise, Henry's reaction was calm." "'He believed the accusations to be malicious and fake." "'But he ordered the archbishop to get to the bottom of the affair.'" "Both the men denounced by Mary and John Lascelles were arrested and quickly confessed." "'Henry Mannox, Catherine's music teacher 'admitted that he'd fallen passionately in love with her 'but Catherine had told him that he was only a servant 'and so had limited him to furtive gropings in the chapel.'" "With Francis Dereham it was very different." "Dereham was a wealthy gentleman," "Catherine the daughter of an impoverished aristocrat." "They were social equals so Catherine had allowed him to go all the way." "'Dereham even claimed that they'd agreed to marry.'" "And after last time I told you what would happen..." "'Catherine was oblivious to the investigation 'that was going on into her past." "'On the 5th of November, as usual 'she was practising dance steps with her ladies 'when several of the King's men burst in, 'declaring that "it was no more time to dance."" "'Catherine was confined to her apartments." "'She was not told the reason but she feared the worst." "'The following morning she made a desperate attempt to reach Henry 'but she was dragged back screaming." "'She would never see the King again.'" "Majesty, I crave your forgiveness..." "'Cranmer questioned Catherine several times 'and each time her story changed." "'Frank admissions were followed by stout denials 'as her moods swung between the composed and the suicidal." "'But slowly a picture of the truth began to emerge.'" "(Cranmer) Are you sure, Majesty?" "(Catherine) 'l, Your Grace's most sorrowful subject 'and vile wretch in the world 'do only make my most humble submission 'and confession of my faults." "'First, at the flattering and fair persuasions of manners...'" "(David) 'Catherine was persuaded to make a confession." "'It was full and explicit, as far as it went.'" "..and touch the secret parts of my body." "Also Francis Dereham by many persuasions, procured me to his vicious purpose and obtained first to lie upon my bed and finally he lay with me naked and used me in such sort as a man doth his wife... many and sundry times." "So far Catherine had admitted only to premarital sex." "It was humiliating for Henry that his wife hadn't been a,virgin when he'd married her and it destroyed his love for her, but it wasn't a crime." "It wasn't even clear if there were grounds for divorce." "There were if Francis Dereham had been telling the truth in claiming he and Catherine had only slept together after they'd promised to marry." "But Catherine always denied making such a promise." "Was she hoping, even at this stage, that Henry would forgive her and allow her to remain as queen?" "Whatever her motives her stonewalling forced Cranmer to dig up yet more dirt." "Eventually he came up with the name of another man." "'The name was that of Thomas Culpepper, 'a trusted favourite of Henry's 'who'd risen to become a gentleman of his privy chamber." "'He catered for the King's most intimate needs, 'dressing him and even sleeping at the foot of the royal bed." "'Culpepper was also a distant cousin of the Queen 'and it was rumoured they had courted 'whilst Catherine was a lady-in-waiting.'" "Master Culpepper, have you ever been alone with Her Majesty?" "'Under questioning," "'Culpepper admitted to having fallen in love with the Queen 'and claimed she was languishing and dying of love for him, 'and during the summer progress 'had sought out ways for the two of them to meet." "'But despite this, Culpepper insisted, 'the relationship had not passed beyond words.'" "(Culpepper) 'The Queen is my cousin, 'l love her only as a relative.'" "(David) 'The Queen's lady-in-waiting, Jane Rochford, 'had a different story." "'She claimed that a relationship between Culpepper and the Queen 'had begun during the King's depression." "'Furthermore, it was her firm belief 'that during the summer progress 'the Queen and Culpepper had slept together." "'Catherine strenuously denied any intimacy with Culpepper 'but a search of his rooms revealed a letter 'written to him by the Queen.'" "(Catherine) 'Master Culpepper, 'l heartily recommend me unto you." "'Praying you to send me word how that you do." "'It maketh my heart to die 'when I do think that I cannot always be in your company." "'Come to me when lady Rochford be here 'for then I shall be best at leisure to be at your commandment." "'And thus I take my leave of you, 'trusting to see you shortly again." "'Yours as long as life endures, Catherine.'" "'Henry now knew the worst." "'Catherine had cuckolded him 'with a man that he trusted and favoured." "'There were reports that his grief had driven him mad." "'On one occasion he burst into tears 'regretting his luck in meeting such ill-conditioned wives." "'On another he called for a sword and made every sign 'that he would pre-empt the course of justice 'and kill his wife himself." "'For now, Henry's desire for revenge had to be sated 'by the trial of his wife's lovers." "'Dereham and Culpepper were tried for presumptive treason 'and accused of having led an abominable and licentious life." "'Culpepper was also charged 'with having had criminal intercourse with the Queen 'on the 29th of August, 1541, at Pontefract." "'Both were found guilty 'and sentenced to be,hanged, cut down alive 'disembowelled 'quartered and beheaded." "'Such was the penalty for those 'who dared to be intimate with the Queen.'" "(Bell tolling)" "'12 days after the execution of Catherine's lovers 'so many members of the Howard clan were arrested 'that it was rumoured the Tower hadn't enough rooms for them all.'" "The intention was that Catherine's fall would lead to the fall of her family." "There followed an orgy of disclaimers led by Catherine's uncle, the Duke of Norfolk." "'Norfolk had only been too happy 'to hitch his wagon to Catherine's star 'in the days of her prosperity as Queen." "'But now, in her hour of need he deserted her without a qualm'." "'Catherine was left utterly alone." "'When she was informed of her death sentence" "'Catherine, like her cousin Anne Boleyn before her, 'requested a private execution." "'The night before it was to be carried out 'she asked the constable of the Tower 'to have the executioner's block brought to her room." "'And here she practised." "'On the morning of the 13th of February," "'Catherine was led to execution on Tower Green.'" "She was so weak that she had to be helped up the scaffold steps but her nerves steadied and she made a short speech confessing her sins against God and the King and admitting the justice of her conviction." "(Catherine) 'l refer the judgement of all my offences 'with my life and death wholly unto your most benign and merciful grace, 'to be considered by your infinite goodness, 'pity, compassion and mercy, without the which" "'l acknowledge myself worthy of extreme punishment.'" "(David) 'Then, just as she'd done during those bizarre rehearsals, 'she prostrated herself at the block 'and the axe took off her head with a single stroke.'" "Catherine had died with more dignity than she had ever displayed as Queen." "On the 12th of July, 1543, here, at Hampton Court," "Henry married his sixth wife, Katherine Parr." "Katherine was almost twice as old as Henry's previous wife, the flighty Catherine Howard, and the mood was correspondingly sober." "'l, Katherine, take thee, Henry, 'to my wedded husband." "'To have and to hold from this day froward...'" "'Katherine seemed the perfect wife 'but under the calm exterior 'burned passions sacred and profane." "'She was in love with another man 'and she was devoted to her God." "'In the year that followed Henry's betrayal by his fifth wife, 'he was often depressed and showed no signs of intending to remarry." "'Moreover, a new law made it treason for any future queen 'to conceal her premarital affairs." "'It would take a bold or a modest woman 'to become Henry's wife." "'In early 1543, 'a 32-year-old widow called Katherine Parr came to court." "'She'd been married twice." "'Her second husband a much older man 'had become a chronic invalid." "'His recent death marked a turning point in Katherine's life.'" "She was now independently well-off, she'd no parents and no children." "In other words, she was free free to marry whom she wished, free even to marry for love." "And thanks to her wealth and her looks unmarred by child-bearing, a lover quickly appeared." "'His name was Sir Thomas Seymour, 'brother of the late Queen Jane." "'In his mid-thirties and handsome 'he was one of the most eligible bachelors at Henry's court." "'Known as something of an adventurer, 'he was exciting, impetuous and extremely ambitious." "'Katherine found him very attractive 'and encouraged him as a suitor." "'She may have seen in him 'a last chance for a love marriage and children." "'He certainly saw a rich and attractive widow - 'a chance to increase his fortune." "'They discussed marriage." "'But there was competition for Katherine's affections." "'Sometime in the spring of 1543," "'Henry fell in love with Katherine." "'He gave her clothes." "'Her brother was made a Knight of the Garter." "'He even introduced her to his two daughters." "'Where would it end?" "'Henry's sudden move confronted Katherine 'with the worst crisis of her career.'" "The position of queen, which many women found so desirable, had no attractions for her." "After all, Henry had already beheaded two of his wives and divorced two more." "He was old, fat, ill and increasingly ill-tempered." "'And Katherine had fallen hopelessly in love with Thomas Seymour." "'It was an impossible dilemma." "'Katherine appealed to a higher power 'and she'd already made up her mind 'to fulfil her duty to God and the King 'before Henry took the situation into his own hands." "'In May, he sent Sir Thomas Seymour 'to be resident ambassador in Brussels." "'Out of sight, he hoped perhaps, would be out of mind." "'Soon after he proposed marriage to Katherine." "'She dutifully accepted the King's offer 'and two weeks later became Queen." "'Other women had married Henry 'in fulfilment of their personal, their political 'or their dynastic ambitions." "'Katherine married him because God had told her to." "'Henry was now 52 years old and ailing." "'Katherine, having already had one invalid husband 'knew just how to deal with him." "'She proved the ideal companion, 'engaging Henry in long discussions 'on his favourite topic - religion." "'For Katherine, it was a case of putting the past behind her 'and making the best of the present." "'Henry had already established good relations with all his children 'and both Mary and Elizabeth had been present 'at Katherine Parr's wedding." "'Katherine, who'd got on well with her stepdaughter 'by her second marriage, 'repeated the knack with her royal stepchildren." "'She became especially close to Elizabeth." "'The King's son, Edward, was soon sending her 'chatty little letters in Latin." "'Henry's new wife took a particularly keen interest 'in the children's learning." "'Katherine's own youthful education 'was as basic as that of most women of her class.'" "She learned to write in English and perhaps in French, whilst her reading was limited to religious works like Saints' lives." "So when she became stepmother to the King's children, she entered into a new world because all Henry's children received the most advanced education of the day, including Latin and Greek at the hands of the best teachers." "Katherine had the intellectual curiosity to throw herself into this new world with gusto and to learn the new studies alongside her stepchildren." "'Katherine's success with the King and his children 'increased her standing at court." "'She'd steered a prudent course between conflicting factions 'but Catholics increasingly suspected her 'of harbouring reformist sympathies 'and scrutinised her every action 'for signs of illicit belief." "'A year after her marriage, 'the stakes were raised again " "'Henry, in a last act of bravado, 'decided to lead an English army against France." "'During his absence he named Katherine Queen Regent 'and placed all three of his children in Katherine's care." "'The Queen led the county in a prayer of intercession 'for the King's safety and success.'" "Oh, Almighty King and lord of Hosts, which by Thy angels there unto appointed dost minister both war and peace." "Our cause now being just and being enforced..." "'Katherine had written the prayer herself 'and not in the traditional Latin but in English." "'To those watching the Queen for evidence of religious leanings, 'it was a sign, perhaps even a declaration, of intent.'" "(Katherine) ..and little damage of innocence we may to Thy glory obtain victory." "World without end." "Amen." "'Archbishop Cranmer may well have helped Katherine with her composition 'and he would have been delighted by it, 'for the prayer's form and content 'showed little respect, for Catholic tradition 'and suggested that the Queen's sympathies 'lay with Cranmer's own.'" "(Quietly reading scripture)" "'As a member of the Regency Council," "'Cranmer was in daily contact with Katherine 'during the King's absence." "'For the next three months he had an ideal opportunity 'to enlist the Queen to the cause of religious reform.'" "Katherine's own religious background was very conservative." "Her mother had been Catherine of Aragon's lady-in-waiting and Katherine had probably been named after her." "Now she looked back on this period with horror." "She had worshipped false idols - she'd practised the mumbo jumbo of Roman Catholicism." "(Quietly reading scripture)" "'It is likely that Cranmer 'now reprised the role he'd played with Anne Boleyn, 'becoming the Queen's informal tutor in matters of religion." "'For Katherine this was a brave new world of ideas 'a crash course in radicalism 'for which she found herself ready and eager.'" "What had changed Katherine was her belief that her marriage to Henry had been a direct act of God and God had given her a task." "It was to complete the conversion of King and county to the reformed religion." "Katherine was a queen with a mission." "'Steven Gardiner Bishop of Winchester, 'disliked nothing more than a woman with opinions, 'especially anti-Catholic opinions." "'At first his relations with Katherine were good 'and he'd officiated at her wedding." "'But as Katherine's views changed, 'so too did Gardiner's attitude." "'By 1545, the bishop's hunt for heretics 'began to close in on the Queen herself." "'Henry's return from France 'did not prevent Katherine from continuing 'with her religious re-education." "'She read widely and corresponded frequently 'with her learned stepchildren and friends." "'She invited scholars and clerics to speak at court." "'The Queen's progress was rapid 'and soon she was ready to exchange the role of pupil 'for that of teacher.'" "We know the development of Katherine's religious opinions because, most unusually for a 16th-century woman, and still more remarkably for a queen, she was a writer and a published writer at that." "Her first work was the Prayers and Meditations." "This was printed in 1545 in a special small format that imitated the little prayer books that hung at ladies' girdles." "It's a work of deep but entirely conventional piety." "If they be women married, they learn of St Paul to be obedient to their husbands and to keep silence in the congregation and to learn of their husbands at home." "'The book was widely read and was a great public success." "'The university of Cambridge wrote to Katherine 'asking for her patronage and protection, 'which she was delighted to give." "'She sponsored important translations, 'including one from her other stepdaughter, Mary." "'Katherine was following the trail 'blazed by those two other learned royal ladies," "'Catherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn.'" "..may not be evil spoken of." "'The atmosphere in Katherine's apartments 'was more like a revivalist meeting than a royal court.'" "All Katherine's leading ladies had adopted her advanced religious opinions and they had the enthusiasm of converts." "They read books, they listened to sermons and they tried to win others over." "All this was at the very margins of legality because Henry trod a fine line in religion, slapping down those who were too radical as well as those who were too conservative." "So when Catherine Duchess of Suffolk dressed her pet dog in bishop',s robes and called him Gardiner her behaviour was dangerous - to her, and through her, dangerous to Katherine." "'Meanwhile, the Queen was at work on a second book 'this one far more controversal than the first 'for it contained evidence 'of her new and radical religious opinions." "'But this work she would be careful not to publish 'whilst Henry was still alive, 'for The lamentations Of A Sinner 'would show that Katherine had become a Lutheran 'that is, a heretic." "'In late autumn, 1545 'the King suffered a new attack of thrombosis in his leg." "'He spent many weeks in bed 'and the Queen, as usual did her best to divert him' 'with lively theological discussion." "'But this time she seems to have gone further." "'Henry might die at any time." "'Perhaps this would be her last chance to convert him 'to what she now considered to be the true faith." "'The Catholic faction believed drastic measures were called for." "'It had once before succeeded in ousting a rival queen 'by replacing Anne of Cleves with Catherine Howard." "'Now it would hatch similar schemes 'in an attempt to discredit and supplant Katherine Parr." "'One evening, Gardiner overheard an altercation 'between the King and the Queen." "'This suggested that Henry was tiring of his wife's preaching." "'The bishop seized the chance to stoke Henry's annoyance, 'casting doubt on Katherine's loyalties 'and implying that she was at the centre 'of an heretical conspiracy." "'Henry's suspicions were aroused 'and he gave permission to investigate the Queen.'" "Do you read the Bible when you are with the Queen?" "'Gardiner questioned courtiers and their wives 'who were close to Katherine." "'They were interrogated on what they believed 'and what books they read 'but his real target was the Queen." "You're an educated woman you do not care for reading?" "!" "'Anne Askew, an avowed Lutheran was interrogated in the Tower 'about her contacts in Katherine's court 'and when she proved stubborn she was tortured on the rack 'until her legs were dislocated and broken." "'Finally, a warrant was drawn up for the Queen's arrest 'and Henry signed it." "'But before it could be delivered officially, 'it mysteriously found its way into Katherine's hands." "'Gardiner's investigation 'had put the Queen under extreme pressure 'and the sight of her husband's signature on the warrant 'pushed her over the edge.'" "(Katherine, sobbing) No!" "'Katherine was faced with a desperate decision - 'follow her conscience and face death 'or subdue it and survive.'" "(Katherine) 'I considered to pass away the pain and weariness 'of your present infirmity, which encouraged me in this boldness 'in the hope of profiting with Your Majesty's learned discourse." "'l am but a woman 'with the imperfections natural to the weakness of my sex." "'Therefore in all matters of doubt and difficulty 'l must refer myself to Your Majesty's better judgement 'as to my lord and head.'" "'Katherine and Henry sat up long into the night." "'The conversation inevitably turned to religion 'but for once Katherine would not be drawn." "'Her opinions, she said, were woman's opinions, 'of no importance and never had been." "'She'd only ever wished to learn from Henry, 'not to preach to him." "'The King listened and slowly his anger and suspicions ebbed." "'By the night's end, 'he was entirely convinced of his wife's innocence.'" "(Birds singing)" "'The next day the King and Queen were walking in the gardens 'when a posse of the guard arrived to arrest the Queen." "'The councillor in charge 'hadn't been told of the previous night's reconciliation 'and he thought he was still carrying out Henry's wishes.'" "He was quickly disabused and the King drove him from the scene with furious words." "Katherine was magnanimous in victory and begged the King to forgive the conspirators against her." "There's an element of farce in all of this but it is a black farce in which people lost their heads, not their trousers." "Katherine's life had been in danger." "Now she was safe." "'Katherine's triumph marked the beginning of the end 'for her enemies at court." "'Gardiner was dismissed from the Privy Council in November." "'The following month the Duke of Norfolk was sent to the Tower 'and despite his letters begging for mercy, 'a death warrant was drawn up for the King to sign." "'But Henry was in no condition to sign anything." "'That Christmas he became dangerously ill." "'A month later, he was dead." "'Katherine was prevented from seeing the King 'during his final weeks of illness 'and, due to court protocol, 'she witnessed, but did not take part in, his funeral." "'Already Katherine's thoughts 'had turned back to life before Henry.'" "(Katherine) 'I would not have you think that this, 'mine honest good will towards you, 'proceeds from any sudden motion of passion, 'for as truly as God is God 'my mind was fully bent when I was at liberty to marry you" "'before any man l know." "'How be it?" "'God withstood my will therein most vehemently for a time 'and made that seem possible 'which seemed to me most impossible, 'that was, made me renounce utterly mine own will 'and follow His most willingly.'" "'Katherine had taken Henry's proposal 'as a sign from God that she should marry him." "'She took his death as a sign that she was free at last 'to return to her true love Thomas Seymour.'" "Etiquette, and even decency, required that Katherine should have observed a substantial period of mourning and widowhood for Henry." "Instead she threw herself immediately into a passionate love affair." "'They were married,in May and Elizabeth 'her favourite stepchild, joined the household." "'Katherine now had the man and the life that she wanted." "'Happiness, it seemed, was hers at last." "'A year after Henry's death," "'Katherine was found to be pregnant with Seymour's child." "'For a woman in her mid-thirties and on her fourth marriage, 'it was a wonderful surprise." "'But her joy was not to last." "'She discovered that her ambitious husband 'was planning to replace her 'with her own step,daughter, Elizabeth 'an ex-queen for a future queen." "'Katherine was heartbroken.'" "In June 1548, Katherine came here, to Sudeley Castle, for the birth of her child." "At first all went well" "Katherine was even reconciled to her stepdaughter Elizabeth, though at a safe distance and by letter." "And the baby kicked so vigorously in the womb that everybody thought it must be a boy." "But, as so often with Henry's wives, childbirth proved Katherine's undoing." "'The baby, born on the 30th of August, 'turned out to be a girl 'and Katherine fell dangerously ill with puerperal fever." "'In her delirium her moods swung wildly.'" "One moment her jealousies and fears about Seymour came into the open, the next she was all loving wifely devotion." "On the 5th of September, Katherine died and was buried as Henry's widow but not in a fashion that Henry would have approved of, for Katherine's was the first Protestant royal funeral." "'Henry's six wives were each expected to be queen, lover, 'companion and mother to a Tudor dynasty." "'Most failed, and for them there was rejection or execution." "'Only Jane Seymour succeeded 'and she died giving birth to Henry's son." "'But their story has become one of the great historical myths 'and one of their children Elizabeth" "'England's greatest ruler.'"