The Constant Princess

By: Philippa Gregory

Narrated by: Karina Fernandez

From #1 New York Times bestselling author of Boleyn Traitor and “queen of royal fiction” (USA TODAY) Philippa Gregory comes the remarkable story of Katherine of Aragon, Princess of Spain, daughter of two great monarchs, and eventual Queen of England when she marries the infamous King Henry VIII.

Daughter of Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand of Spain, Katherine has been fated her whole life to marry Prince Arthur of England. When they meet and are married, the match becomes as passionate as it is politically expedient. The young lovers revel in each other’s company and plan the England they will make together. But tragically, aged only fifteen, Arthur falls ill and extracts from his sixteen-year-old bride a deathbed promise to marry his brother, Henry; become Queen; and fulfill their dreams and her destiny.

Widowed and alone in the avaricious world of the Tudor court, Katherine has to sidestep her father-in-law’s desire for her and convince him, and an incredulous Europe, that her marriage to Arthur was never consummated, that there is no obstacle to marriage with Henry. For seven years, she endures the treachery of spies, the humiliation of poverty, and intense loneliness and despair while she waits for the inevitable moment when she will step into the role she has prepared for all her life. Then, like her warrior mother, Katherine must take to the battlefield and save England when its old enemies the Scots come over the border and there is no one to stand against them but the new Queen.

Best in series!

This book was phenomenal. The narrator was perfect, the story was magnificent. I got complacent getting through the two previous, and have been completely renewed in enthusiasm and interest ! Marvelous!

Interesting perspective of Young Catherine

Like most Phillipa Gregory books, it is a new perspective on historical FICTION. It is not meant to be fact or truth. Fiction is just that, so I do not deduct stars for giving me fiction. It is a fun and intriguing read. The narrator does a great job, especially with accents. The recording is clear and perfect. I only deduct a star due to being somewhat slow in parts and redundant in the storyline. Most of the story takes place in Catherine's life before she was Queen- much reflection internally and reflecting on her early life in Spain and maturing from a girl to a woman in her own right. I found this the most interesting aspect.

Great

Great book and great listen I highly recommend this and all of her books and stories!

Surprised I enjoyed it as much as I did!

This is a great stand alone novel that incorporates all the Tudor/Plantagenet issues touched upon. Really well done. Makes me want to hear about Queen Katherine’s further individual years.

ended too soon!

Wish I could have heard even more from Catherine's perspective beyond where the book ends