Changes

His brother Arthur in 1501 married [[Katherine of Aragon|Katherine]] (1485–1536), the daughter of [[Ferdinand and Isabella]] of Spain.  After Arthur's death in 1502, when Henry was ten years old, for reasons of state it was decided to marry Henry to his brother’s widow, who was several years his senior.  This raised the question of whether it was moral and legal for Henry to married his late brother’s wife?

His brother Arthur in 1501 married [[Katherine of Aragon|Katherine]] (1485–1536), the daughter of [[Ferdinand and Isabella]] of Spain.  After Arthur's death in 1502, when Henry was ten years old, for reasons of state it was decided to marry Henry to his brother’s widow, who was several years his senior.  This raised the question of whether it was moral and legal for Henry to married his late brother’s wife?

For her part, Catherine stated and always affirmed that her marriage to Arthur had never been consummated and she was therefore able to marry Henry.  Because her parents wanted the marriage, they did not want there to be any doubt and so they petitioned the Pope to grant a dispensation allowing Catherine and Henry to marry.  These matters would be of great significance later.

For her part, Catherine stated and always affirmed that her marriage to Arthur had never been consummated and she was therefore able to marry Henry.  Because her parents wanted the marriage, they did not want there to be any doubt and so they petitioned the Pope to grant a dispensation allowing Catherine and Henry to marry - a dispensation that was granted.  These matters would be of great significance later.

== Henry’s accession to the throne ==

== Henry’s accession to the throne ==