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Katherine Parr is often hailed as the wife of King Henry VIII who “survived” - the nursemaid, or the “old one.” But the reality was different than that. Katherine was a champion for religious reform, a fierce supporter of her stepchildren, and a celebrated author. Her reign as queen and life after Henry is much more interesting than you might think - including a dangerous brush with death.

0:00 Early Life
2:22 First Marriage
3:59 Second Marriage
8:17 Life in London
10:00 Marriage to Henry VIII
13:32 Plot Against her Life
15:59 Thomas Seymour & Death
20:00 What did Katherine Parr look like?

Primary Research Credits:
Profile of Katherine Parr published by the Tudor Times
Catherine Parr: Henry VIII’s Last Love by Susan James

We only have a few portraits of Katherine existing today.

Almost every portrait of Katherine has been misidentified at some point, as Mary I, Lady Jane Grey, or others. It’s an interesting pattern, which I think kind of contributes to her reputation as Henry’s “forgotten Queen.”

The way portraits of Katherine were finally identified is through jewelry. In each portrait, Katherine is wearing a specific crown-shaped jewel on her chest, which was linked to records of her possessions.

The portrait I’ve used for the re-creation here is attributed to Master John, and was painted around 1547, probably when Katherine was the Queen Dowager.

Katherine was an attractive woman. She had dark blonde or reddish hair, fair skin, and piercing gray eyes. Her tall, thin frame was always flattered by the most luxurious clothing and jewelry.

As Queen of England, she was greatly loved and praised for both her beauty and her intelligence. A Spanish visitor said “The Queen has a lively and pleasing appearance, and is praised as a virtuous woman.”

Also contributing to her beauty was her personality - she was funny, smart, and lively. I feel like she’d be the person keeping you entertained at a party. Katherine adored dancing, cards, and dogs.

I really love the 1547 portrait of Katherine. It just looks so much more lifelike to me than other Tudor portraits - she has these captivated cat-like eyes and sort of an elegance about her.


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