Katherine Parr: What did 'The Wife Who Survived' really look like? Facial Reconstruction & History

Katherine Parr is often hailed as the wife of King Henry VIII who “survived” - the nursemaid, or the “old one.” But the reality was different than that. Katherine was a champion for religious reform, a fierce supporter of her stepchildren, and a celebrated author. Her reign as queen and life after Henry is much more interesting than you might think - including a dangerous brush with death.

0:00 Early Life
2:22 First Marriage
3:59 Second Marriage
8:17 Life in London
10:00 Marriage to Henry VIII
13:32 Plot Against her Life
15:59 Thomas Seymour & Death
20:00 What did Katherine Parr look like?

Primary Research Credits:
Profile of Katherine Parr published by the Tudor Times
Catherine Parr: Henry VIII’s Last Love by Susan James

We only have a few portraits of Katherine existing today.

Almost every portrait of Katherine has been misidentified at some point, as Mary I, Lady Jane Grey, or others. It’s an interesting pattern, which I think kind of contributes to her reputation as Henry’s “forgotten Queen.”

The way portraits of Katherine were finally identified is through jewelry. In each portrait, Katherine is wearing a specific crown-shaped jewel on her chest, which was linked to records of her possessions.

The portrait I’ve used for the re-creation here is attributed to Master John, and was painted around 1547, probably when Katherine was the Queen Dowager.

Katherine was an attractive woman. She had dark blonde or reddish hair, fair skin, and piercing gray eyes. Her tall, thin frame was always flattered by the most luxurious clothing and jewelry.

As Queen of England, she was greatly loved and praised for both her beauty and her intelligence. A Spanish visitor said “The Queen has a lively and pleasing appearance, and is praised as a virtuous woman.”

Also contributing to her beauty was her personality - she was funny, smart, and lively. I feel like she’d be the person keeping you entertained at a party. Katherine adored dancing, cards, and dogs.

I really love the 1547 portrait of Katherine. It just looks so much more lifelike to me than other Tudor portraits - she has these captivated cat-like eyes and sort of an elegance about her.

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[RoyaltyNowStudios]

What did you all think of this new format??

[charleendavis]

My three young daughters and I have been watching your channel for a long time now and they are so thrilled to finally know what you look like! I think they were as delighted to see you as they were to see Katherine Parr! Thank you so much for your wonderful recreations. We love your channel and wait patiently for each new person you bring to life. ❤

[GradysMom]

So many times I've watched your videos and thought how beautiful your voice is. I often tried to picture who the voice belonged to. It's so nice to see your face! You're just as beautiful as I'd imagined. Your voice is truly perfect for these videos. Thank you for all of your hard work on this channel ❤

[elj]

This is the first time I'm seeing the face behind the voice of these clips. Such a beautiful looking woman. ❤ Love your work. 😍

[dawnjeffersramstad]

Thank you for doing Catherine Parr. As an ordained Methodist clergywoman, I owe her a debt of gratitude for her influence in Elizabeth I thinking and consequent worship reforms that are still the foundationof our liturgy. You did an excellent introductory summary of her life. 🎉

[Anita-rqev]

It was lovely to see you, your narration is always top notch. I can tell how passionate you are. I feel sorry for Catherine Parr. She was well educated, was in danger while married to Henry and when she finally married the man she loved and got pregnant, she died shortly afterwards. Not sure if Seymour loved her at all and I feel sorry for her daughter. She probably died as an infant after both her parents were dead. Great story, thank you so much 🙏

[estherstephens]

I love listening to the history but I’m ALWAYS moved by the recreation. Both recreations, past and present, are stunning! Becca, you are beautiful as well. With such a soothing voice I can listen to you narrate all day. Thank you for sharing. ❤❤

[danahickman]

I always thank you for not just your recreations but the narrations (in your soothing voice). And it's nice to finally put a face to that voice. Love the format. It's like a history lesson with words, pictures and movement; though I need a little more time to read the text.

[EllieDaisy]

It’s sooo lovely seeing both Catherine but also you 🙌

[awalden]

I love the new format! You're such a natural, and so talented! Everything you do in this endeavor (everything you BOTH do) is so polished... so well-written... well produced... and expertly presented. It holds my attention from beginning to end (and often from beginning to end AGAIN). The story-telling, the music, the pace, the historical images... it all comes together to weave a living image that help today's viewers immerse themselves in another world, and to have a better understanding, and appreciation, of history. Bravo, you! Well done! --- My husband and I wish you continued success! 🍷🍷 ~ Allen & Mike

[lyubovgorbacheva]

Not only is it great to see Katherine, but also the beautiful author of the channel! Thank you for your work, it's absolutely amazing!

[gabriellabaka]

It was lovely to the creator of these superb videos. Great decision! :)

[marie]

Catherine Parr looks exactly like the actress Alicia von Rittberg as Elizabeth in Becoming Elizabeth.

[siobhano]

This was so fun! Really enjoyed seeing the beautiful lady behind the lovely voice. Another amazing production by RN! ❤👑

[CynthiaBerry]

Becca! How wonderful to see your beautiful face! Most vloggers don't realize how important it is to actually have a face to go with the voice. Makes you more real, like your recreations! Been enjoying your channel for a while now, ty for all you do! Katherine Parr was truly an interesting lady!

[arero]

Yes!! Thank You, I've been waiting for this video since April! Your Voice Is so beautiful, and now we can see your Face! 😍💓

[richardjames]

Great to see you in person narrating this excellent video

[soonerbmama]

Awesome! I clicked and immediately saw you and it was so nice to see you. Thank you for your real life narrating of these historical subjects (no irritating ai). Thank you for your research and most of all your stunning life like recreations. You bring them back to life and the modern day recreations are just stunning. I must say, using todays technology to bring us these images is appreciated.

[cosxys]

YOUR SO PRETTY and the narration is wonderful as always, it was amazing seeing your face!!

The recreation, the research, ah I love everything about this channel I’m never unsubscribing ❤

[Anneloveshenry]

Personally katherine parr is my favorite i love her sm! Also that she was an author, i would love to read her books one day!