A much more sober court than the fourth or fifth wives, but rumours that she is more theologically radical than any of the rest. She regularly holds Bible reading groups for women within her circle. Her court was of little importance to Henry until her adoptive daughter started reliably producing male Tudor heirs. Since then, Henry has shown great political favour to his thoughtful and diligent Queen.
Queen Catherine Parr
33, female
Henry’s sixth Queen – an extremely wealthy widow. The rumour was that she was going to marry Thomas Seymour but when she caught Henry’s eye he sent Seymour to Brussels and married her with great haste. She has good Greek, Italian and Latin. With Henry’s permission she has published two books of prayer in the English language in the way of the Henrician Church of England. However, she is suspected by some at court of having Reformer sympathies and even encouraging her ladies to discuss theology. The King clearly has great confidence in her as he left her as Regent in his most recent war in France.
Princess Catherine Knollys
23, female
Natural daughter of Henry and his mistress Mary Boleyn, previous maid in waiting to Anne of Cleves where she became good friends with Catherine Howard. She has recently been made the legitimate daughter of Henry and Catherine Parr, becoming Catherine Fitzroy. With her mother Mary Boleyn being a disgraced minor noble and her Aunt Anne imprisoned for years the King alternated between doting on her with lavish gifts and ignoring her entirely. Married to Francis Knollys, she has given birth to the first healthy legitimate male heirs born to the Tudor line since Prince Edward. The King now pays more attention to her pregnancies and health than he does to his wives. She is the only Tudor who has continued the dynasty and she may even be the only one who can.
Francis Knollys, Earl of Salisbury
34, male. Influence Over Parliament.
Husband of Princess Catherine Fitzroy, former gentleman pensioner – one of the King’s elite bodyguards, great jouster, famed for his physical proficiency and cheerful countenance. Married the daughter of a minor noble with decent family connections and woke up a year later to find himself possibly in line for the throne. At his first son’s christening he was suddenly a Baron and in parliament, at the second he was an Earl, next… who knows?! Sits in the House of Lords. Looks good on a horse.
Lady Frances Grey
28, female
Daughter of Mary Tudor (deceased), sister of Henry, and Charles Brandon (recently deceased), Duke of Suffolk. She was formerly in the line of succession but after any legitimate children of the King. Married to Henry Grey and has three surviving daughters. She has a strong passion for female education and keeping a lively household. Her eldest daughter Jane Grey is of a good age to enter into a noble household as a ward if somebody makes a good offer, and it would help her finances considerably.
James Basset
18, male
Younger brother of Katherine and Anne Basset, he works as secretary for Catherine Parr. Engaged to Mary Roper but rumoured to have fallen deeply in love with with Jane Boleyn, widow of George Boleyn, and to be conducting a flamboyant romantic affair with her.
William Parr, Earl of Essex
Male, 32. Influence Over Parliament. Military.
Brother of Catherine Parr. Captain of the Gentleman Pensioners, Henry’s personal bodyguard. Childhood friend of Henry Howard and Henry Fitzroy, now a member of parliament for Northamptonshire. ‘His delight was music and poetry, his exercise war.’
Lady Mary Fiennes (Understudy character)
Female, 25.
Lady-in-waiting to Catherine Parr. A widow who was previously a lady-in-waiting to Queen Anne of Cleves, she joined Catherine Parr’s court after her husband was executed.
Reginae Regis - The Six Wives of Henry VIII 