𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕃𝕚𝕗𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕄𝕒𝕣𝕪 𝕀

The Lady Mary

During the 1520's, Henry VIII had been trying to divorce his current wife, Catherine of Aragon.
His main claim being that she was his brother's widow; which, in the Bible, stated that a man should not marry his brother's wife, making the ordeal that their union in 1509 was incestuous.
He continued to claim that this was the reason why their marriage saw no sons being produced; considering it punishment from God. A Male Heir was the main aim for Henry - he had secured his place on the throne mostly through violence; but a true heir was needed to continue the lineage - making his position an unstable one in his eyes.
Which led to the infatuation of Anne Boleyn, if Catherine couldn't do it then he was willing to marry Anne Boleyn to produce a male heir.
However, Catherine would continuously fight against this claim; deeming that she had not consummated the marriage with Prince Arthur.

The Pope, being under the control of Holy Roman Empire; which its leader was Charles V, the nephew to Catherine of Aragon, denied this request. Leaving Henry frustrated.
The Year 1531; the struggle of her parents divorcing, already have a toll on her mental health - Mary was struck with sickness, she suffered from irregular menstruation and depression, her health wouldn't get better.
During this time, Anne Boleyn would actually fall pregnant; intriguing the King and having him and Anne married in secret; at Whitehall Palace on November 14th 1532.
Which started the split from Rome.

This secret marital affair was revealed, the Pope would excommunicate Henry VIII from the Catholic Church.
This allowed him to officially divorce Catherine of Aragon, in doing so he would marry Anne Boleyn, on the 23rd May 1533, making her the new Queen Consort of England.
Months later, the late summer of 1533 on the 7th September, Anne gave birth to a child, a girl; Elizabeth Tudor.
The excommunication from the Catholic Church caused Henry to form the Act of Supremacy, which was passed by Parliament in 1534.
This Act declared that Henry VIII, along with any future Monarchs after his death would be the Supreme Head of the English Church.
The Act of Supremacy completely dissolved the Pope's religious authority inside of England.
Following the divorce of Catherine, she was banished from Court, her economical position depended heavily on the English Court, making it impossible for her to return to Spain. Along with the possibility of her father Ferdinand II not being able to acknowledge the disgrace the divorce brought.
This left Catherine to take up residence in Kimbolton Castle.
In addition to this, Mary was forbidden to make any form of contact with her Mother; her own status being demolished.

With this Split from Rome, brought a new strain of Christianity to take full wind in England; Protestantism.

Mary's lavish and loving life would take a severe plunge following the divorce of Catherine and Henry; her household and title of princess was stripped from her.
The Birth of Princess Elizabeth saw the replacement of the life Mary once had, her half sister filling that empty space she once did.
Souring the wounds further, Mary was sent to Elizabeth's Household in Hatfield, to attend her as a Lady In Waiting; in the December of 1533.
The Act of Supremacy that followed in 1534, making it illegal to refer to Mary as 'Princess', and officially proclaimed Princess Elizabeth as heir to the English throne, Mary was to be referred to as 'Lady'.
Plans were made for Mary Tudor to flee England, to escape to the continent, however Eustace Chapuys, the Imperial Ambassador, feared that upon Mary's escape she would be martyred if she didn't submit to the King, instead simply advising her to obey her Father if she feels in danger. In reassurance he would inform Mary that this was advice given by the Holy Roman Emperor, her cousin Charles V.
Thus Mary remained in England.

Despite forbidden communication from her Father, Mary and Catherine of Aragon were able to send letters to one and other, with the help of Loyal Servants.
However, they would never see each other again.
Mary was not fond of Anne Boleyn in the slightest, she; in her eyes, was the reason this had all happened - the destruction of her happy life and faith.
Despite Mary's sour view on Anne; the new Queen Consort had tried to make amends with her step daughter, reaching out to her telling her if she recognised Anne as Queen, then she would try have Henry reconcile.
Mary would refuse this; she could never see anyone but her Mother as the true Queen of England, however; thanking 'Madam Pembroke' for her offer.
The Disgraced Princess' health was in serious decline during the 1530's, Henry however took barely any notice.
During the year 1535, England planning to form an alliance with the French; in hopes for a marriage involving Princess Elizabeth. however this was turned down by France, stating their preference for the Lady Mary. The once cherished daughter was seen as the enemy to the King, Henry had stated himself to his daughter via letter. Her defiance could've led to a revolt; considering her extremely rich heritage, plans could've been made to place her on the English Throne.
In addition, Henry's eyes began to wander, becoming attracted to yet another Lady in Waiting, Jane Seymour, however she would refuse to become his mistress, potentially fueling the King's desire; possibly marking the beginning of the downfall for Anne.