The Hidden Lives of Henry VIII's Brothers and Sisters

Margaret Tudor, born in 1489, became Queen of Scotland in 1503 through her marriage to King James IV. They had six children, but only one, James V, survived into adulthood. When James IV was killed in the Battle of Flodden in 1513, Margaret was named regent for their young son. Her position, however, was contested by powerful nobles, and her authority was challenged when she married Archibald Douglas, Earl of Angus, hoping to consolidate her power.
Margaret’s second marriage was troubled, and she was eventually ousted from her role as regent. However, she later managed to regain influence by removing her replacement and acting as regent once more until her son, James V, reached maturity. Margaret’s personal life continued to be tumultuous. After divorcing Angus, she married her third husband, Henry Stewart.
Margaret’s lineage was crucial to both English and Scottish history. As the sister of Henry VIII, her descendants helped forge a critical link between the two nations. This connection ultimately led to the crowns of England and Scotland being united through her great-grandson, James VI of Scotland, who became James I of England. Her notable descendants included Mary, Queen of Scots, and her husband, Lord Darnley.
Elizabeth Tudor, a younger sister of Henry VIII, died tragically at the age of three in 1495. Buried in Westminster Abbey, her tomb was once adorned with inscriptions and a marble statue, though much of it has faded over the centuries. The epitaphs expressed sorrow at her untimely death and a wish for her soul to rest in peace. Despite her short life, Elizabeth was part of a generation of Tudor children that included Mary, who would later become Queen of France. Elizabeth’s other siblings, Edmund and Katherine, also died young and were laid to rest near her in the Abbey.
Mary Tudor, born in 1496, briefly became Queen of France when she married the much older King Louis XII. Following his death, she secretly married Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk, without her brother Henry VIII’s permission, sparking royal fury. However, after paying a hefty fine, the couple was forgiven. Mary and Charles had four children, and one of their granddaughters, Lady Jane Grey, would later briefly become Queen of England for nine days in 1553.
Arthur, Prince of Wales, was the eldest son of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York, born in 1486. His birth symbolized the union of the York and Lancaster dynasties. Arthur was married to Catherine of Aragon at a young age as part of an alliance with Spain, but he tragically died just six months later. His death had far-reaching consequences, as his younger brother Henry VIII later married Catherine, leading to major religious and political changes when Henry sought to annul the marriage years later, citing doubts about whether Arthur and Catherine’s marriage had been consummated.
Edmund Tudor, born in 1499, was another of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York’s sons. He was christened in a lavish ceremony, attended by notable figures such as Margaret Beaufort, his grandmother. Despite his promising start, Edmund died in infancy at just 15 months old, likely due to the illnesses that plagued Tudor children. His death occurred while his parents were away in Calais, and they returned to England only to receive the heartbreaking news. Edmund was given a grand burial, with all the honors befitting a prince of the Tudor dynasty.

[@LadyCat183]

There was nothing hidden about any of Henry 8's siblings. We all know Arthur died while married to Catherine. Mary married King of France and then Charles Brandon. Died after bearing children therefore grandmother to Lady Jane. Margaret married King of Scotland, provided heir before he died. Married again, had a daughter. There we go.

[@VynylFantasy]

I think she meant ‘hidden’ as opposed to the fame of Henry VIII

[@CrazyCatMom11]

Just because you're knowledgeable about royal history, doesn't mean others are. I'm sure most people have no clue that H-8 had siblings.

[@LadyCat183]

@@VynylFantasy interesting perspective. I just found the word hidden rather untrue. Perhaps lesser known would not have grabbed a viewers attention.

[@LadyCat183]

@@CrazyCatMom11 it still would just make them unknown rather than hidden.

[@eleanorbarrie3527]

@LadyCat183, correct term is King of Scots, not King of Scotland

[@emilyvanhart20]

Some of these pictures are actually Henry 7 not Arthur. Might want to change that.

[@forevr_disturbd]

Video = Perfect to a nerd like me ❤️

[@PastPeople]

Thank you!

[@onagaali2024]

It's Erasmus* not Eramus. You do also know on sister Mary Tudor's section, you used the same picture pertaining to King Louis XII as is actually James IV for Margaret Tudor's section.

[@cherylbrooks7005]

❤😊❤...fellow nerd here

[@lorihahn-brown4709]

Margaret Tudor was my 15th great grandmother.

[@charisepfahl7778]

Mine also. Via an illegitimate descendant, Sir Robert Stewart.