Noble Blood: "Divorced (From the Archive)" – A Detailed Summary

Episode Title: Divorced (From the Archive)
Release Date: December 17, 2024
Host: Dana Schwartz
Production: iHeartPodcasts and Grim & Mild
Description: Author Dana Schwartz delves into the intricate lives of history’s most captivating royals, exploring the tumultuous and often tragic narratives behind their crowns.

Introduction

In this archived episode of Noble Blood, host Dana Schwartz takes listeners on an in-depth exploration of Catherine of Aragon, the first wife of King Henry VIII of England. Departing from the commonly recounted tale of her tumultuous marriage and eventual divorce, Schwartz focuses on Catherine's early life and the political machinations that set the stage for her eventual fate as a royal hostage.

Catherine's Early Life and Arrival in England

Journey from Spain to England
Catherine of Aragon, the youngest daughter of the illustriious Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile, embarked on a perilous journey from her cloistered life in Spain to England. At just 15 years old, Catherine was already a mature and poised representative of her nation, despite having never met her future husband, Arthur, the Prince of Wales.

Arrival and First Impressions
Upon landing in England, Catherine insisted on attending church, reflecting her devout religious upbringing. Her arrival did not go unnoticed by King Henry VII, who scrutinized her appearance meticulously to ensure she matched her portrait. As Schwartz narrates:

"She was exactly as her portrait had presented her. A beautiful 15-year-old girl with clear, creamy skin and thick red hair. Her blue eyes were bleary, but light and intelligent."
— Narrated by Dana Schwartz at 02:15

Symbolic Status in England
Catherine's presence in England was more symbolic than personal. She became a bargaining chip in the political landscape, representing old European royalty that Henry VII desired to associate with the newly established Tudor dynasty.

Marriage to Prince Arthur

Betrothal and Marriage Preparations
Catherine was betrothed to Prince Arthur at the tender age of three, with the marriage formalized by proxy a year prior to her arrival. Their correspondence, though respectful, lacked genuine personal connection, a common trait among royal engagements of the time. The long-awaited day of their meeting was marked by elaborate pageants and public ceremonies, emphasizing the union's political significance.

First Meeting and Wedding Day
When Arthur and Catherine finally met, both were shy and inexperienced, attempting to navigate their roles as future monarchs. Their wedding was a grand spectacle:

"They smiled and blushed, still teenagers, even as they were play-acting adults."
— Narrated by Dana Schwartz at 10:45

Despite the lavish celebrations, their marital relationship lacked intimacy. Prince Arthur's health was fragile, and shortly after their wedding, he succumbed to the sweating sickness, leaving Catherine a widow after only six months of marriage.

Widowhood and Betrothal to Henry VIII

Political Maneuvering After Arthur's Death
Following Arthur's untimely death, Catherine's position became precarious. Her father, Ferdinand of Aragon, sought to secure her future by negotiating her betrothal to Henry VIII, Arthur's younger brother. This arrangement was fraught with challenges, including significant age differences and religious prohibitions regarding marriage to a deceased brother's wife.

Catherine's Struggle and Isolation
Catherine endured years of isolation and financial hardship as she awaited the consummation of her betrothal to Henry VIII. Her living conditions deteriorated, and she was treated more as a hostage than a respected queen who had lost her husband. Schwartz highlights the emotional toll on Catherine:

"She was deeply in debt from supplying her staff with clothing and food. Left without even enough money to buy herself a new nightgown, she was pawning her possessions, her last relics of home, one by one."
— Narrated by Dana Schwartz at 18:30

The Betrayal and Rise of Henry VIII

Failed Reunion with Her Sister Juana
In a glimmer of hope, Catherine reunited with her sister Juana and her husband Philip the Handsome. However, this meeting turned disastrous as Philip secretly negotiated a more advantageous marriage for his daughter, Eleanor, leaving Catherine without any allies.

Henry VII's Demise and Henry VIII's Ascension
The death of King Henry VII opened the door for Henry VIII to ascend the throne. Having known Catherine since her arrival, Henry VIII saw her as his ideal queen, rekindling former affections that had been thwarted by political circumstances. As Schwartz narrates:

"He had seen Catherine of Aragon from back when she was a beautiful girl. He had seen her grow through hardship and suffering into a beautiful young woman. She was his first crush, the face he always pictured when he imagined his queen."
— Narrated by Dana Schwartz at 22:10

Conclusion: Catherine’s Defiance and Legacy

Unyielding Faith and Integrity
Catherine remained steadfast in her belief that her marriage to Arthur was legitimate, refusing to accept Henry VIII's claim that their union was invalid. Her devotion to her faith and her refusal to divorce led to her status as a martyr in the eyes of many Catholics.

Final Years and Legacy
Catherine's unwavering stance ultimately made her a tragic figure in English history. She passed away believing herself to be the rightful queen, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and integrity.

"She was moved from palace to palace, each one bleaker and colder and more isolated than the last... Catherine of Aragon died, maintaining that she was the rightful Queen of England and Henry VIII's Only True Wife."
— Narrated by Dana Schwartz at 27:00

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Dana Schwartz [02:15]:
  "She was exactly as her portrait had presented her. A beautiful 15-year-old girl with clear, creamy skin and thick red hair. Her blue eyes were bleary, but light and intelligent."

• Dana Schwartz [10:45]:
  "They smiled and blushed, still teenagers, even as they were play-acting adults."

• Dana Schwartz [18:30]:
  "She was deeply in debt from supplying her staff with clothing and food. Left without even enough money to buy herself a new nightgown, she was pawning her possessions, her last relics of home, one by one."

• Dana Schwartz [22:10]:
  "He had seen Catherine of Aragon from back when she was a beautiful girl. He had seen her grow through hardship and suffering into a beautiful young woman. She was his first crush, the face he always pictured when he imagined his queen."

• Dana Schwartz [27:00]:
  "She was moved from palace to palace, each one bleaker and colder and more isolated than the last... Catherine of Aragon died, maintaining that she was the rightful Queen of England and Henry VIII's Only True Wife."

Conclusion

In "Divorced (From the Archive)," Noble Blood offers a compelling narrative of Catherine of Aragon's early life, her politically motivated marriages, and her enduring strength in the face of adversity. Dana Schwartz masterfully uncovers the lesser-known aspects of Catherine's story, painting a portrait of a woman who remained dignified and resolute despite being used as a pawn in royal power plays.

For those unfamiliar with the intricate details of Catherine of Aragon's life, this episode provides a thorough and engaging account, highlighting her resilience and the political complexities of European royalty in the 16th century.

Credits:
Noble Blood is a production of iHeartRadio and Grim & Mild from Aaron Menke. Hosted by Dana Schwartz, with additional writing and research by Hannah Johnston, Hannah Zwick, Courtney Sender, Amy Height, and Julia Milani. Edited and produced by Jesse Funk, supervising producer Reema Il Kayali, and executive producers Aaron Menke, Trevor Young, and Matt Frederick.