How would it be different?

The future king is dead

Having travelled to Worcestershire and later Ludlow Castle in Shropshire around Christmas time 1502, Arthur succumbed to an outbreak of sweating sickness, and died. 2 April 1502

The Queen and King follow suit

In an attempt to give birth to another heir, Henry VII’S wife Elizabeth of York dies of a postpartum infection on her 37th birthday. Henry VII dies a widower on 21 April 1509.

24 February 1503

An unlikely king arises

Following the death of his father, and as the only heir, Prince Henry is coronated as King Henry VIII. Two weeks prior, he had wedded his brother’s widow, Catherine of Aragon. 24 June 1509

A child is finally born

After four failed pregnancies, Catherine gave birth to a surviving infant – but the girl, the future Mary I, does not solidify Henry VIII’S succession and he grows more desperate. 18 February 1516

When not in Rome

Henry, infatuated with a young Anne Boleyn, pushes for divorce from Catherine. After marrying Anne in 1533, he is appointed head of the Church of England, and separates from Rome by passing the Act of Supremacy. November 1534

A son is born

After Anne Boleyn fails to produce a male heir, Henry has her executed on trumped charges. While he goes onto marry eight times, Henry’s third wife finally gives him a son, the future Edward VI. 12 October 1537

The end to a tumultuous reign

King Henry VIII dies at the age of 55, in part due to his obesity and poor health. He was interred in St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle, and survived by his last wife, Catherine Parr. 28 January 1547