Margaret and Katherine’s Friendship

The King's Curse

This thread traces a friendship formed through shared loss and court service, and sustained by mutual loyalty as Katherine loses her queenship and life.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Compassion at First Meeting Compassion at First Meeting from "The King's Curse". An Unusual Welcome Grief Named Katherine apologizes to Margaret for the death of Edward Plantagenet, despite the political delicacy of the subject.

Compassion at First Meeting from "The King's Curse". An Unusual Welcome Grief Named Katherine apologizes to Margaret for the death of Edward Plantagenet, despite the political delicacy of the subject.

An Unusual Welcome Grief Named Katherine apologizes to Margaret for the death of Edward Plantagenet, despite the political delicacy of the subject. Margaret is astonished by her frank kindness. Shared Understanding Katherine is homesick and Margaret understands what it is to lose an earlier life. Their friendship develops through conversation, confidence, and mutual respect.

Companions in Mourning Companions in Mourning from "The King's Curse". Arthur’s Death A Shared Loss Margaret and Katherine mourn Arthur Tudor, whom both loved.

Companions in Mourning from "The King's Curse". Arthur’s Death A Shared Loss Margaret and Katherine mourn Arthur Tudor, whom both loved.

Arthur’s Death A Shared Loss Margaret and Katherine mourn Arthur Tudor, whom both loved. Margaret sends Katherine to London and later supports her decision to remain in England. A Promise Kept Katherine’s commitment to serve England becomes a bond between the women. Margaret helps her navigate her uncertain status and supports her intended marriage to Prince Harry.

A Queen and Her Confidante A Queen and Her Confidante from "The King's Curse". Years of Trust Court Partnership Margaret serves beside Katherine as lady-in-waiting and later as governess to Mary.

A Queen and Her Confidante from "The King's Curse". Years of Trust Court Partnership Margaret serves beside Katherine as lady-in-waiting and later as governess to Mary.

Years of Trust Court Partnership Margaret serves beside Katherine as lady-in-waiting and later as governess to Mary. She helps manage the queen’s household and shares intimate knowledge of the court. Honest Counsel Margaret offers reassurance about pregnancies, affairs, and political dangers. Her loyalty is more than ceremony: she repeatedly risks favor by protecting Katherine’s interests.

Standing Beside the Queen Standing Beside the Queen from "The King's Curse". Loyalty Under Pressure The Marriage Dispute Margaret refuses to support claims that Katherine’s marriage to Arthur was consummated, despite pressure from…

Loyalty Under Pressure The Marriage Dispute Margaret refuses to support claims that Katherine’s marriage to Arthur was consummated, despite pressure from powerful courtiers. She recognizes that the testimony could change the queen’s future. Isolation Deepens As Henry separates Katherine from court, Margaret tries to preserve her connection with Mary and the queen. Her own standing suffers for remaining loyal.

Grief After Katherine’s Death

A Friendship Ends Farewell Denied Margaret is not allowed to visit Katherine in her final illness. Maria de Salinas later tells her that Katherine remembered her with love. Continuing Devotion Margaret mourns her friend and continues to protect Mary. Katherine’s death removes the person whose courage and faith had sustained them both.

Spring 1502

May to June 1502

1509 to 1521

1527 to 1533

January 1536