Catherine of Valois Biography

Catherine’s father, King Charles VI of France, was at war with England. Henry V of England, the son of Henry IV of England, won the Battle of Agincourt which was one of the first significant victories in the Hundred Years' War.

Sir Owen Tudor, a Welsh courtier in the service of the late King Henry V’s steward, Sir Walter Hungerford, caught Catherine’s attention. Tudor was in charge of Catherine’s household while living at Windsor Castle when he and Catherine fell in love. She became pregnant with their son, but there is no evidence that they were married.

There were rumors of the two being secretly married; however, even if they were married, the laws at the time would not have recognized the union. Parliament granted Owen Tudor the rights of an Englishman, and with Catherine’s influence in the royal family, the Tudor Dynasty began to rise.

Apart from their first son, Henry VII, who would later become king of England, they had five more children.

During the birth of their last child, Catherine died from childbirth-related complications on January 3, 1437. However, there was a rumor that she did not die from childbirth but from an illness for which she had been seeking a cure. Her mortal remains were laid to rest at the Old Lady Chapel at Westminster Abbey, and with her death, Owen Tudor lost his greatest support in England.

Tudor was arrested and sent to prison for violating the law against remarrying a queen dowager. He was later released and knighted by King Henry VII.

Catherine of Valois, the queen consort of England, was known for her love of learning and patronage of the arts. She supported various cultural endeavors during her time as queen.

Catherine was the mother of King Henry VI of England, who became king at a very young age. She played a significant role in his upbringing and education.

Catherine's marriage to King Henry V of England was seen as a strategic move to solidify the alliance between England and France. She played a pivotal role in fostering peace between the two countries.

Catherine's legacy extends beyond her royal connections. She was also a devoted mother and is remembered for her care and affection towards her children, including her son King Henry VI.