Henry Fitzroy

Henry Fitzroy was born on 15 June 1519, the illegitimate son of King Henry VIII and his mistress Elizabeth Blount, a lady-in-waiting to Queen Catherine of Aragon. His surname "Fitzroy" literally means "son of the king" in Norman French.

Despite his illegitimacy, Henry VIII openly acknowledged Fitzroy and lavished honors upon him. In 1525, at just six years old, Fitzroy was created Duke of Richmond and Somerset—the highest noble rank in England—and given precedence over Princess Mary in court ceremonies.

This unprecedented elevation of an illegitimate son sparked speculation that Henry VIII was considering Fitzroy as a potential heir, especially as Catherine of Aragon had failed to produce a surviving male child. Fitzroy was given his own household at Sheriff Hutton Castle in Yorkshire and received an education befitting a prince.

In 1533, Fitzroy married Lady Mary Howard, daughter of the Duke of Norfolk, though the marriage was never consummated due to their youth. He was present at the execution of Anne Boleyn in 1536 and appeared to be in good health.

Tragically, Fitzroy died suddenly on 23 July 1536, likely from tuberculosis or the sweating sickness. He was just 17 years old. His death was kept secret initially, and he was buried quietly at Thetford Priory.

Fitzroy's early death had significant implications for the Tudor succession, intensifying Henry VIII's desperation for a legitimate male heir and contributing to his subsequent marriages.