A recently unearthed solid gold heart-shaped locket, intricately engraved with the initials ‘H’ and ‘K’ and the word “toujours,” serves as a powerful, tangible testament to the profound and often overlooked love that King Henry VIII initially held for his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, offering a fresh perspective on their complex relationship before its tragic dissolution.
The name Henry VIII instantly conjures images of a formidable king defined by his six marriages and the brutal fates of his queens. The familiar rhyme — “Divorced, Beheaded, Died. Divorced, Beheaded, Survived.” — often overshadows the intricate human stories behind these historical figures. Yet, a recent discovery is shedding new light on the king’s heart, proving that his first marriage to Catherine of Aragon began not with political ambition, but with genuine love.
This poignant piece of history, a solid gold heart-shaped locket, has emerged from a Warwickshire field, offering a rare glimpse into the early devotion between Henry and Catherine. Adorned with their intertwined initials, H and K, alongside the Tudor rose and the Spanish pomegranate, and an inscription reading “toujours” (always), this locket is a powerful symbol of a love story often lost in the shadow of its bitter end.
The Genesis of a Royal Romance
When Henry VIII, a charismatic 17-year-old, married Catherine of Aragon, six years his senior, in 1509, it was more than a political arrangement. Though Catherine had first been married to Henry’s elder brother, Arthur, who died shortly after their wedding, Henry was genuinely smitten. They were a vibrant pair, sharing a love for riding, hunting, and the opulent display befitting royalty. It was said Henry trusted her completely, and their early years were marked by mutual happiness and affection. Even when their first surviving child, Mary I, was born in 1516, Henry, despite his disappointment it wasn’t a boy, remained optimistic, believing sons would follow.
Catherine was, by many accounts, remarkably qualified for her role. Historian Lucy Worsley, writing for BBC History Magazine, describes her as “by far the best-qualified” of Henry’s wives, even trusting her to rule as regent during his campaigns in France, where she famously oversaw the defeat of the Scots at the Battle of Flodden in 1513. This era showcased a queen who was not only a devoted wife but also a capable leader.
Tragedy and the Quest for an Heir
Despite their initial bond, the pressures of dynastic succession began to erode their happiness. Catherine endured at least five miscarriages and stillbirths, including a much-celebrated son named Henry in 1511 who lived only a few weeks. This relentless cycle of hope and loss took an immense toll on the couple. Henry’s desperate need for a male heir to secure the Tudor dynasty became an obsession, creating an unbearable tension that ultimately destroyed their loving marriage.
As Henry grew restless and his desire for a son intensified, the appearance of Anne Boleyn as one of Catherine’s ladies-in-waiting in the early 1520s signaled the beginning of the end. Catherine, stubborn and pious, staunchly defended her marriage and her Roman Catholic faith, making the divorce proceedings an arduous ordeal for Henry. Her steadfastness underscored her deep conviction that she was his rightful queen.
The Locket: A Glimpse into Early Devotion
The recently discovered Tudor Heart locket is more than just an artifact; it’s a testament to the early, profound connection between Henry and Catherine. Experts from the British Museum suggest it may have been crafted for a tournament in October 1518, coinciding with the betrothal of their daughter, Princess Mary, to the French heir. This period marks a time when their love was still strong, before the relentless quest for a male heir tragically overshadowed their bond.
This “only surviving piece of Tudor jewellery of its kind from Henry VIII’s reign in the world” highlights how history often simplifies complex relationships. As actor Damien Lewis, who portrayed Henry VIII in the BBC series Wolf Hall, emphasized, Henry was “deeply in love with her, very fond of her. History often overlooks this because it focuses on the divorce.” The British Museum is currently campaigning to raise £3.5 million by Valentine’s Day 2026 to acquire this significant piece, ensuring it remains in public view.
The Path to Annulment and Catherine’s Legacy
The annulment of their marriage in 1533, driven by Henry’s desire for a male heir and his growing fascination with Anne Boleyn, marked a profound shift in English history, leading to the split from the Roman Catholic Church. Catherine was denied contact with her beloved daughter Mary until her death in 1536 at just 50 years old. Yet, her final letter to Henry expressed enduring love: “my eyes desire you above all things.” She signed it simply: “Catherine the Queen,” reaffirming her unwavering belief in her rightful status.
Catherine’s legacy extends beyond her tragic end. She was a woman of immense character, intelligence, and dignity, traits often obscured by the sensational narratives of Henry’s later marriages. She served as an ambassador, a regent, and a devoted queen, making her “the most virtuous woman I have ever known and the highest hearted,” as described by Eustace Chapuys, the Spanish ambassador to the Tudor court.
Henry’s Other Wives: A Brief Context
While the locket reminds us of Henry’s initial love, his subsequent marriages painted a different picture, shaped by his relentless pursuit of a male heir and political alliances:
- Anne Boleyn: Beheaded for treason and adultery after failing to produce a male heir, bearing only Elizabeth I.
- Jane Seymour: Died shortly after giving birth to Henry’s only son, Edward VI, and was considered his “most dear and entirely beloved wife.”
- Anne of Cleves: Divorced after a mere six months due to Henry’s lack of attraction, yet remained in England as “the King’s beloved sister,” receiving a generous settlement and enjoying a surprisingly cordial relationship with Henry post-annulment. She outlived all of Henry’s wives, dying of suspected cancer in 1557.
- Catherine Howard: Beheaded on charges of adultery, a young and reckless queen caught in the unforgiving machinery of the court.
- Catherine Parr: The “survivor” who outlived Henry, serving as a compassionate nursemaid in his declining years and fostering a reunion between his children.
The Enduring Significance of the Tudor Heart
The discovery of Catherine and Henry’s love locket provides invaluable insight into the complexities of human relationships, even on a royal scale. It challenges us to look beyond simplistic labels and acknowledge the nuanced emotions that drove historical figures. For enthusiasts of Tudor history, this artifact is a profound connection to the past, reminding us that even the most infamous rulers had moments of profound, undeniable love. It serves as a beautiful, albeit tragic, memento of a king’s first flame.
