Expert: Mark Smith - 1/17/2008

Question
Hi - Henry Viii fell out with his daughter Mary and did not speak to her for five years until they were reconciled at a meeting in Brooke House.  Was this 'fall out' dur to the fact that Henry divorced Mary's mother and changed his religion to be able to do so?  If yes, do you know any more details of their fall out, or the real reason if I am wrong! Thanks

Answer
Hello Sarah.
The reason is pretty much as you said. By the early 1530s Henry was persuaded that his marriage to Katherine was unlawful in the eyes of God and therefore Mary was illegitimate and barred from the succession. He sent Katherine and Mary away from London and reduced their households. Katherine was demoted in rank to Dowager Princess of Wales and as a result Mary was no longer a Princess herself. After his marriage to Anne Boleyn Henry only saw Mary on brief unplanned occasions, although Mary coninued to write to her father.
Mark