This book follows well in the footsteps of The Other Boleyn Girl, The Queen's Fool, and the Virgin's Lover. It's almost as though they all tell one side of the same story. It read quickly and was certainly entertaining. ( )

Very good book about Katherine of Aragon from the time she is about 4 through her years as Queen of England. Phillipa's take on Catalina, Infanta of Spain, or Katherine as we know her, employs the idea that Arthur and Catalina consummated their marriage and were in love. She married Henry after Arthur dies completing a promise made to him so that she can rule as Queen of England the way they had planned to. The story also shows Henry as a selfish, arrogant, spoiled young boy and man easily led by Queen Katherine. It is quite and interesting read and take on the Tudor court of King Henry. ( )

Normally Philippa Gregory makes my teeth clench because I think she's obnoxious about her dislike for Elizabeth and her mother Anne. It seems rude to belittle the subject of your fiction with all those petty jibes.

However, I thoroughly enjoyed "The Constant Princess." The scenes from Katherine's childhood where she describes how her heroic mother, Queen Isabella, wore silk under her armor riding out as Queen Militant were all new territory for me. Neither had I been aware of Katherine's role in as regent of warfare whilst Henry was away. I loved hearing about the comfort and sophistication of the Moorish palaces of Spain. I could certainly relate to Katherine missing the hammam in unbathed England.

So I say, this book was really lovely as a character study of Katherine of Aragon, Queen Militant.

This book covers Katherine of Aragon's life, from her early years in Spain with her parents, her marriage to Arthur (Henry's older brother), her years as a widow, and finally, her marriage to Henry VIII. This has diary-like entries, which give an interesting insight into her life.

I found this book very enlightening, particularly as I don't know much about her. Although most people know her as Henry's first wife, she is fairly unknown, so I enjoyed learning more. ( )

The Constant Princess tells the story of Catalina, Infanta of Spain and Princess of Wales. Betrothed at the age of 3 to Prince Arthur she finds England a surprise in relation to its customs, beliefs and behaviours. After a troublesome start the pair eventually settle into a romantic relationship, enjoying their time together planning how they will rule England when they become King and Queen. However that future is not to happen as Arthur dies suddenly in the early months of their marriage. Making a deathbed promise to Arthur, Catalina does everything in her power to secure her position as Katherine of Aragon, Queen of England even if it means marrying the foolish and immature second son Henry VIII.

This story is wonderfully told, with such detail that you feel a part of the Court. I cried at the death of Arthur and went through a whole range of emotions with the development of Catalina. However, I was most disappointed by the last few chapters of this book. Having gone from such a detailed manner of storytelling to the sudden 'simple' ending did not seem in keeping with the book. A little more detail from the defeat of the Scots to Katherine's trial would have made the ending more in keeping with the style and more enjoyable, in my opinion. Although it was still an excellent read. ( )