Catherine of Aragon

(1485-1536) first wife of King Henry VIII. A papal dispensation had to be obtained for her to marry Henry in 1509, as she was the widow of Henry's older brother. Henry used this alleged irregularity as an excuse for getting the marriage annulled (though he had to break with Rome to do so) in order to marry Anne Boleyn in 1533.

See also Boleyn, Anne in this glossary.