Politics & World • Royalty

Catherine Parr

Catherine Parr (c.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Catherine Parr (c. 1512–1548) was the sixth and final wife of King Henry VIII of England and queen consort of England and Ireland from 1543 until Henry's death in 1547. She was also a writer and an advocate of Protestant reform, and she briefly served in a governing role during Henry VIII's campaign in France.

Early life and family

Catherine Parr was born around 1512 into a prominent English family. Her father was Sir Thomas Parr and her mother was Maud Green.

Marriages and queenship

Before marrying Henry VIII, she had already been married twice. She became Henry's sixth wife in 1543 and was queen consort until his death in 1547.

Writing and religious views

Parr was a published author and is noted for writing in English under her own name. She supported Protestant reform and was associated with the English Reformation.

Later life and death

After Henry VIII died, Parr married Thomas Seymour. She died in 1548, shortly after giving birth to her only child.

Key facts

She was the sixth and last wife of Henry VIII.
She was queen consort from her marriage in 1543 until Henry VIII's death in 1547.
She supported the English Reformation and published works under her own name.
She served as regent-general while Henry VIII campaigned in France.
She died in 1548 shortly after giving birth to a daughter.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Catherine Parr?

Catherine Parr was the sixth and final wife of Henry VIII and queen consort of England and Ireland from 1543 to 1547.

How many times was Catherine Parr married?

She was married four times in total.

What was Catherine Parr known for besides marrying Henry VIII?

She was known as an author and as a supporter of Protestant reform in England.

Did Catherine Parr have children?

She had one child, a daughter, who was born in 1548; Catherine died shortly afterward.

What role did Catherine Parr play in government?

She served as regent-general while Henry VIII was away campaigning in France.

References

Encyclopaedia Britannica —
Supports: Birth and death dates; identification as Henry VIII's sixth and final wife; family background; remarriage after Henry's death.
Historic Royal Palaces —
Supports: Queen consort status; support for the English Reformation; regent-general role; marriage to Henry VIII; later marriage to Thomas Seymour.
Oxford University Press —
Supports: Her importance in Tudor history and her accomplishments as a writer and religious figure.
EBSCO Research Starters —
Supports: Marriage history; queen consort role; writings; support for the Protestant Reformation.