This alliance was highly strategic: it strengthened ties between Spain and England against France and other continental powers. Catalina was sent to England in 1501 at the age of 15 to marry Arthur, who was just over 15 himself.
Their marriage, held on November 14, 1501, was a grand affair symbolizing the union of two powerful dynasties. Unfortunately, the marriage was short-lived. Arthur died less than five months later, in April 1502, likely from tuberculosis.
The Question of Catalina’s Marital Status After Arthur’s Death
Arthur’s untimely death left Catalina’s future uncertain. According to canon law and political necessity, marrying her deceased husband’s brother—Henry, Duke of York (later Henry VIII)—required a papal dispensation due to the biblical prohibition on marrying a brother’s widow.
Catalina claimed her marriage to Arthur was never consummated, which if true, meant the dispensation was not strictly necessary. This claim later became a central point in the annulment controversy during Henry VIII’s reign.
After a prolonged period of negotiation and political maneuvering, Henry VII agreed to the marriage between Catalina and his second son, Henry, Duke of York. The papal dispensation was granted, and Catalina married Henry in 1509 after Henry VII’s death and Henry’s accession to the throne. shutdown123