The Spanish Princess is a captivating historical drama series that aired on Starz, spanning two seasons. This TV adaptation is based on the novels The Constant Princess and The King’s Curse by Philippa Gregory, part of her acclaimed The Plantagenet and Tudor Novels.
The series focuses on the life of Catherine of Aragon, the Spanish princess who became Queen of England through her marriage to Henry VIII.
A Deeper Look at Catherine of Aragon’s Journey
The show offers a fresh perspective on Catherine of Aragon, often overshadowed by her successor, Anne Boleyn.
While most historical accounts primarily highlight her failed marriage to Henry VIII, The Spanish Princess takes a deeper dive into Catherine’s journey from her teenage years as a bride to Prince Arthur, Henry’s older brother, to her time as queen.
The narrative paints a vivid picture of her resilience, ambitions, and struggle to produce a male heir—a factor that would ultimately contribute to her downfall.
The show emphasizes Catherine’s role as a powerful political player, shedding light on her intelligence and strength.
Catherine was not merely a passive figure in history; she was actively involved in matters of the state and even led military campaigns in Henry’s absence.
The show’s portrayal of her leadership during the Battle of Flodden is a high point, where she is depicted as a regent who rallied troops while pregnant, an aspect often left out in traditional historical narratives.
Historical Accuracy vs. Dramatic Flourish
While The Spanish Princess stays true to the broad strokes of Catherine’s life, it does take some liberties for dramatic effect.
The creators of the show, Emma Frost and Matthew Graham, have openly acknowledged that their priority was not strict historical accuracy but rather crafting a compelling narrative that centers women’s experiences.
In an interview, they highlighted how the emotional toll of Catherine’s multiple miscarriages and the couple’s struggles to conceive a male heir was a significant focus for them.
This is a rare perspective in television portrayals of the Tudor era, which often gloss over the personal, emotional struggles of the royal couple in favor of political intrigue and larger-than-life historical events.
The show explores Catherine’s fierce dedication to remaining queen despite the many challenges she faced, particularly Henry’s growing desire for an annulment.
Henry’s obsession with a male heir and the eventual rise of Anne Boleyn are central to the latter part of the series, culminating in Catherine’s ultimate fall from favor.
The Show’s Feminist Undertones
One of the show’s notable aspects is its feminist take on historical events. Unlike many Tudor dramas that focus on the male figures in power, The Spanish Princess centers the female perspective, giving voice to Catherine and other women in the royal court, like her ladies-in-waiting and rivals.
This approach aligns with the trend of feminist retellings of history, portraying women as central figures who actively shape their destinies rather than passive characters at the mercy of patriarchal power.
The portrayal of Catherine’s regency during the Battle of Flodden—where she led English forces against the Scots while Henry was away—emphasizes her role as a capable ruler.
This scene, where she appears heavily pregnant in armor, has drawn both praise and criticism for its dramatization, but it serves as a powerful symbol of her strength and resolve.
The Legacy of Catherine of Aragon
Catherine’s legacy is often overshadowed by the more infamous stories of Henry VIII’s other wives, particularly Anne Boleyn, whose rise led to Catherine’s fall.
However, The Spanish Princess seeks to rectify this by showing her as a woman ahead of her time—intelligent, politically astute, and deeply religious. Her downfall, while tragic, is portrayed with dignity.
The show concludes with Catherine’s refusal to concede to Henry’s demands for an annulment, a testament to her unyielding sense of justice and duty to her marriage vows.
While the series ends before Catherine’s death, it leaves viewers with a sense of her enduring influence. Her daughter, Mary I, would later become the first queen regnant of England, a significant achievement that could be seen as part of Catherine’s lasting legacy.
Critical Reception and Impact
The Spanish Princess received mixed reviews from critics. On one hand, it was praised for its focus on a lesser-known figure in Tudor history and its lush production design
. The performances of Charlotte Hope as Catherine and Ruairi O’Connor as Henry VIII were particularly lauded.
Hope’s portrayal of Catherine, blending vulnerability with a steely resolve, brought depth to the character, making her both relatable and formidable.
On the other hand, some critics pointed out the series’ historical inaccuracies, particularly in its portrayal of certain events and characters.
For instance, the depiction of Anne Boleyn as a scheming rival from the outset has been criticized for oversimplifying her complex relationship with Catherine and Henry.
Additionally, while the series highlights Catherine’s political acumen, it sometimes glosses over the broader geopolitical context of the time, focusing more on the personal drama.
Despite these critiques, the show succeeded in sparking renewed interest in Catherine of Aragon and the Tudor period. Its feminist approach to storytelling resonated with modern audiences, offering a fresh take on a well-worn historical era.
The series also contributed to the growing trend of re-examining historical narratives from a female perspective, similar to other period dramas like The White Queen and The White Princess, both of which are also based on Philippa Gregory’s novels.
FAQs
Q: What is “The Spanish Princess” about?
A: “The Spanish Princess” is a historical drama television series that follows the life of Catherine of Aragon, the first wife of King Henry VIII of England. The series explores the complex political and personal challenges she faced as a foreign princess navigating the English court.
Q: Who plays Catherine of Aragon in “The Spanish Princess”?
A: The role of Catherine of Aragon is portrayed by Spanish actress Alicia Borrachero.
Q: Is “The Spanish Princess” based on a true story?
A: Yes, “The Spanish Princess” is based on real historical events. However, it takes creative liberties to dramatize the story and explore the personal lives of the characters.
Q: How many seasons of “The Spanish Princess” are there?
A: Currently, there are two seasons of “The Spanish Princess.”
Q: Where can I watch “The Spanish Princess”?
A: “The Spanish Princess” is available for streaming on various platforms, including Starz and Amazon Prime Video.
Q: What is the reception of “The Spanish Princess”?
A: The series has received generally positive reviews from critics and audiences, with praise for its historical accuracy, strong performances, and visually stunning production.
Q: Is there a third season of “The Spanish Princess”?
A: While there has been no official announcement for a third season, fans of the show hope that it will be renewed based on its popularity.
Q: What other historical figures appear in “The Spanish Princess”?
A: In addition to Catherine of Aragon, the series features other notable historical figures, such as King Henry VIII, Queen Isabella I of Castile, and King Ferdinand II of Aragon.
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