The King's Curse by Philippa Gregory

The King's Curse My Rating: 5.0

As an heir to the Plantagenets, Margaret Pole is viewed by the King’s mother - the formidable Red Queen - as a threat to the Tudor claim to the throne. Married off to Tudor loyalist Sir Richard Pole, governor of Wales, Margaret lives a quiet life in service, becoming guardian to Arthur, the Prince of Wales, and his young bride, Katherine of Aragon.

But Margaret’s bloodline was never meant to stay hidden. After tragedy plunges her into poverty, a royal death brings her back into the glittering but dangerous world of Henry VIII’s court, where she serves as chief lady-in-waiting to Queen Katherine. From this unique vantage point, she witnesses the queen’s early influence over Henry, her heartbreaking decline, and the slow unraveling of the Tudor dynasty.

As the court grows more unstable and Henry VIII becomes increasingly tyrannical, Margaret is forced to decide where her loyalty truly lies—with the unpredictable king or with the queen she loves. All the while, she carries the knowledge of an ancient curse said to rest on the Tudor line… and watches as it begins to unfold.

I loved this retelling of Queen Katherine’s reign through Margaret’s eyes. What a time to be at court—though honestly, was there ever an easy season at the Tudor court? 

We all know the broad strokes of Henry VIII’s reign, but I was fascinated by the glimpse into his childhood and what may have shaped him into the man (and monarch) he became. Don’t skip the author’s note - there’s a genetic theory discussed that completely captivated me.

Margaret’s journey is a true emotional rollercoaster, full of loyalty, loss, and resilience. The trials her family endured were overwhelming, and the ending absolutely wrenched my heart. Such a powerful and incredibly sad conclusion.

Highly recommend this one for anyone who loves Tudor history, strong heroines, or Philippa Gregory’s richly imagined world.

 

I loved this retelling of Queen Katherine's reign through Margaret's eyes. What a difficult time to be in court (not that there ever really was an easy time lol!)  I think we all know about Henry the VIII but I didn't realize his childhood and what made him into who he was. Don't miss the afterward telling about a genetic possibility that made him into who he was. Fascinating! The rollercoaster that Margaret and her family went through was so timultous. My heart was wrenched at the end - so incredibly sad.