My name is Katherine Parr. I was King Henry's sixth and final wife. I was probably his most reluctant wife. After all, who would want to marry a man who had been married five times and who had beheaded two of his wives? I had no burning desire to be Queen of England.

By the age of 31, I had already been married twice (and both husbands had died). I spent a lot of time near the royal court, and I knew Henry quite well. Then, one day, Henry brought me to his throne room and asked me to marry him. At first I refused. King Henry was over 50 years old and he was quite sickly. He had a bad leg and had trouble walking. However, he informed me that he was King and ruler of all his subjects. He would not take "no" for an answer.

Finally I agreed to marry him. I worked very hard to be a good wife to Henry and a good mother to his three children (Mary, Elizabeth, and Edward). I adored my royal stepchildren, and they seemed to love me as well. During those days, it was very unusual for girls and women to be educated. However, I liked to read and write. I taught Mary, Edward, and Elizabeth how important it was to study and learn about the world.

Henry and I got along well, but I was more of a nurse than a wife. I humored his moods and whims, and became his good friend. After we were married for four years, Henry died. He was only 55 years old, and I was very sad to lose my good friend. His son (Prince Edward) became King Edward VI, even though he was only 10 years old.

A little while after Henry died, I married Thomas Seymour, a man I loved very much. I soon became pregnant and had a baby girl (named Mary). After Mary was born, I got sick and died. I was only 36 years old.

Another tragedy soon struck my family. My husband was executed for treason, and little Mary became an orphan. She later died at a very early age.

Although I was a reluctant bride for King Henry, I'm glad I married him. I was able to serve my country by helping to educate the future King and Queens. Edward was King for 6 years, then Mary became Queen for 5 years. Finally, Elizabeth ruled England for 45 years.

Map of United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland).