Very fascinating story about Queen Katherine. I love to read books about that time period. It seems as if women had to be very smart, brave and one step ahead of very everyone at all time. The details were so good that I (at times) could get a vivid mental picture many things that were happening. ( )

In this historically based fiction, Ms Gregory introduces us to one of her most unforgettable heroines and vividly reconstructs for our enjoyment the life of Katherine of Aragon, daughter of Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand of Spain.

The story is told from Katherine’s point of view, relating her feelings at each milestone in her life, from her childhood in Spain, her marriage to Prince Arthur of England up to the time of her disgrace from court. She recalls when the young couple who were betrothed, finally meet and married, a politically arrange marriage that soon developed into a hidden passion and devotion for each other. Sadly, at age fifteen Arthur falls ill and on his death bed he has Katherine promise to marry his brother Henry and further the hope of becoming Queen and fulfilling their dreams for the country.

It is easy to forget that Katherine’s life is the author’s version of events. The story details Katherine’s insistence that her first marriage was never consummated; this facilitated her marriage to Henry but always remained a point of contestation.

The author portrays Katherine as a very courageous and strong woman who faced many struggles, some joyous some sad. We are left with Henry V111 depicted as a spoiled and selfish man who would put aside wife after wife at a whim.

For those fascinated by historical fiction, this will transport you into the tumultuous life at the Tudor Court, at a time when no one was safe. It was a time when battles to conquer territories were forcefully fought and ones religious beliefs ruled the world.

The story is quite captivating although I did find it meander and dragged a bit and it ended rather abruptly. ( )

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.