what if Catherine of aragon and Henry Vlll's children had survived. Meet Prince Henry Duke Of Cornwall, Prince John Tudor, Prince Edward Tudor,Princess Mary Tudor and Princess Isabella Tudor
"Kate, we must start planning Harry's birthday, It's his first birthday after all, I want him to gave a grand celebration" King Henry said to Katherine while walking in the gardens of Hampton, "Of course, I was thinking that we could hold a masque, the theme could be 'Arthur of Camelot' instead it is 'Henry of Camelot'"
King Henry's eyes lit up at the idea, "That is splendid,Kate.You know I am fasinated with Arthurian legend, I will speak to Wolsey about the arrangements." Katherine's mind went racing with ideas,she wanted her son to have the best birthday party.
Days turned into weeks,and the castle was abuzz with preparations.Artisans painted grand scenes of battles and mythical creatures on the walls of the great hall,tailors stitched elaborate costumes for the masquerade,while cooks whispered recipes for a feast that would be remembered for ages.
King Henry was deeply involved,his excitement palpable as he discussed with the Master of Revels the intricacies of the entertainment,from the opening speech to the grand finale.Katherine felt a mix of nervousness and excitement,knowing that her son's future was inextricably linked to this celebration.
As the day grew closer,invitations were sent to the nobility and royalty of Europe,announcing the grand event.The palace was adorned with banners and flags of the Tudor rose and the castillian lion,representing the union of England and Spain.A giant stage was built in the courtyard,designed to showcase the extravagant masque.
The masque was to be a grand affair,a spectacle of lights,colors,and music,telling the story of the legendary King Arthur and the Round Table,with young Prince Harry as the centerpiece,his own little kingdom to rule. Katherine watched as the final preparations were made,her heart swelling with pride at the sight of her son.
On 1st of January in the new year of our Lord 1512,the great hall was packed with lords and ladies dressed in their finest,their jewels sparkling in the candlelight.The scent of roasting meats and sweet pastries wafted through the air,melding with the bouquet of a thousand fresh flowers that adorned the hall.
King Henry looked over the grand stage,his eyes shining with excitement,his mind racing with the anticipation of the evening ahead.The masque was to be a visual feast,a tapestry of colors and lights that would leave their guests in awe.He knew that this birthday celebration for his son would set the tone for the future of England.
The evening of Prince Harry's birthday masque had arrived,the air was electric with excitement.The courtyard was lit by thousands of candles and torches,casting a warm glow on the faces of the eager crowd.The masquers took their places,their costumes shimmering with gold and jewels.
King Henry and Queen Katherine sat on their thrones,beaming with pride as the performance began.The masque unfolded,telling the epic tale of King Arthur and his noble knights,their valor and honor echoing in the cheers of the audience.Young Harry,dressed as a miniature Arthur,was placed on a golden throne next to his parents,his chubby hands gripping the arms of the chair as he watched wide-eyed.
The grand finale approached,with the masquers performing an intricate dance around the Round Table,symbolizing unity and strength.As the music reached its crescendo,the table began to rise,revealing a surprise for the young prince.The crowd gasped as a troupe of jesters and acrobats emerged,leaping and tumbling before the child's delighted eyes.
Prince Harry giggled and clapped his hands,his cheeks flushing with excitement.King Henry and Queen Katherine exchanged glances,their love for their son clear as day.As the masque concluded,the courtyard erupted in applause and cheer.King Henry took his son in his arms,lifting him up to the adoring crowd.
The feast began,the royal table groaning with the weight of sumptuous dishes.King Henry and Queen Katherine shared proud smiles,their hearts full of hope and love for their future king.As the evening progressed,the guests mingled,sharing tales and congratulations,while the young prince played with his new toys,his laughter a sweet melody in the grand hall.
Then, Margaret Pole, a favorite lady in waiting of Queen Katherine said "I want to dedicate a toast to the Young Prince" Queen Katherine nodded with a smile, she knew Lady Pole was a kind woman who had been with her since her first days in England.
"To Prince Henry,May he grow as strong as the oak and as wise as the owl,"Margaret raised her goblet,"May he rule with a heart as gentle as a lamb and as fierce as the lion!" The hall erupted in cheer and toasts were made all around.
"That he will be a great King like his Father and Grandfather, that he will grow to be brilliant as his Mother and as handsome and gifted as his Father,To the future of England, Prince Henry!" Lady Pole concluded, her eyes sparkling with hope.
The feast continued with roars of laughter and clinking of silverware,the air filled with the scent of fine wines and spiced meats,and the sound of music and merriment.The guests were delighted by the performance and the opulent display of wealth and power that the Tudor court was known for.
Throughout the night,Prince Harry was passed from one set of admiring arms to another,his eyes growing heavier with each round of applause and cheer.When the feasting was over,his Lady Governess took him away to his chamber,his tiny body exhausted from the excitement of his first birthday.
The adults remained in the great hall,continuing their revelries long into the night.King Henry was in high spirits,his laughter booming through the rafters as he recounted tales of his childhood.The wine flowed freely,staining the lips of the revelers and adding a warm glow to their cheeks.
Meanwhile,upstairs in the nursery,Prince Harry was tucked into his velvet-covered crib,his eyes drooping with sleep.The gentle hum of the adults' merriment from below lulled him into a peaceful slumber.
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Margaret "Maggie" Pole
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