Philippa Gregory

In Episode 5 of The Spanish Princess, titled “Heart vs. Duty,” Catherine of Aragon’s persistence pays off as she secures her marriage to Prince Henry. But beneath the drama, the series struggles with historical accuracy, particularly in its portrayal of Henry VII as a weak father and Margaret Beaufort’s inconsistent morality. This review explores the real Tudor family dynamics, the Catholic Church’s influence on pregnancy and abortion, and the political realities shaping these key figures.

In Episode 6 of The Spanish Princess, titled “A Polite Kidnapping,” court intrigue deepens as Catherine’s enemies plot against her and familial tensions boil over. However, the series continues to take liberties, portraying Henry VIII as a rebellious teen, dramatizing Henry VII’s temper, and misrepresenting Juana and Isabella of Castile with sensationalist cruelty. This review separates fact from fiction, revealing the real Tudor discipline, the dignified stature of Juana, and the formidable leadership of Isabella I.

Episode 7 of The Spanish Princess “All Is Lost” shows Catherine confronting political betrayal and personal isolation, but the drama stumbles with inaccuracies. Catherine’s deep knowledge of monarchy is dismissed through condescending dialogue, Tudor court protocols get mangled, and the complex realities of religion, race, and gender in the period go unexplored. This review highlights Catherine’s true strength and the era’s social dynamics that the show overlooks.