After the humiliation he faced with Catherine Howard, a different type of wife would be sought. It should be someone that had perhaps been married before and had proved herself to be a stable and hopefully loyal partner.
Catherine was already in place at court .
Catherine was born in 1512 and was already in her thirties when she gained Henry's attention. At fourteen, Catherine married Lord Borough, a man in his sixties. Catherine was very well educated, a trait that she would pass onto many that came under her care and guidance. Lord Borough died just three years after the marriage and a few years later she married a widower, Lord Latimer - John Neville.
Lord Neville's position saw Catherine brought to court and into Henry's realm. Katherine it must be said wasn't really a court player. Rather than throw herself into the midst of the king's social circle, she stayed on the sidelines and became a friend to the princesses.
Catherine's second husband died in 1542 and she gained the attention of Thomas Seymour, yes the brother of the Queen's former wife - Jane. Seymour was a dashing man and considered quite a catch and Catherine had never before married for love, so she was swept away by Seymour's attention. Seymour proposed and Katherine accepted.
Of course by this point, Catherine had become attractive to good King Henry himself. She had taken charge of Henry's heir - Edward during a recent bout of the plague at court. When Henry heard about Seymour's proposal, he sent Seymour off on a mission and proposed to Catherine himself.
Of course, what woman in her right mind would wish to marry Henry now after what he had done to his previous wives? Catherine was no exception, she didn't want the proposal or the marriage, but in those days when a king set his sights on you, then you'd best agree to it - or else!
Catherine was also in love with Seymour, but she had no choice but to cast that love aside and accept Henry's proposal. They were married on July 12, 1543.
