The setting for the event itself is a couple of crucial days in Henry’s court in 1545. Henry has allowed a delegation from the Catholic Church to visit England for the first time since he broke with Rome. All his wives have returned to court to hear the offer and to advise the King on what should come next for England. What Rome’s offer is exactly will become clear when they present it.
The King has directed that:
- His Queens and heirs attend him, and preferably keep their courts under control.
- Privy Council prepare to advise him on Rome’s offer, the line of succession and the content of his Will.
- The Convocation of Bishops prepare to pass a new declaration to settle Nine Articles of theology.
- Parliament prepare to pass an Act to enact his wishes, as and when he decides what they are.
Friday’s main event is a banquet to welcome the delegations and ambassadors informally.
Saturday will be full of formal meetings, informal meetings, politics and a brief Church service.
The full Timetable and the Responsibilities of Political Bodies give more detail.
By the end of Saturday the characters will have either resolved a clear line of succession or left England to a potential civil war upon Henry’s death.
Reginae Regis - The Six Wives of Henry VIII 