Catherine of Aragon

Catherine of Aragon (1485-1536) was the first wife of King Henry VIII of England and a significant historical figure. Originally from Spain, she was the daughter of Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile. Catherine married Henry's older brother, Arthur, but he died shortly after their marriage. She then married Henry, hoping to provide a male heir. However, their daughter, Mary, was the couple's only surviving child. Henry's desire for a divorce, due to Catherine's inability to produce a male heir, led to England's break from the Catholic Church and the start of the English Reformation.