1509 - Henry VIII Becomes King

In 1509, Prince Henry became Henry VIII, king of England. 

FromMarch 1509, Henry VII knew that he was not going to recover from the (unknown) illness that afflicted him. Early in April of that year he made his last will and testament. 

Despite the king being ill, preparations for St George’s Dy on 23 April continued , with the 17 year old Prince Henry in charge of the celebrations. 

On 21April, Henry VII passed away, but those who know of the death wait two days to tell Prince, now king, Henry. The reason it was kept secret  for these two days was an awareness of Yorkist sympathies which still lurked at the court, nursing the idea of Henry VII being a usurper. Therefore, rebellion was feared if word ‘got out’ before Henry ‘Junior’ was in position. Therefore, the few who were in the know were sworn to secrecy .

The festivities for St George’s day were in full swing until the evening of 23 April, when Henry was finally told of his father’s passing. 

Katherine and Henry marry on 11 June, 1509, followed by a joint coronation on 24 June.