Mary Rose Tudor; Princess of England, Dowager Queen of France, Duchess of Suffolk
Name Given at Birth: Mary Rose Tudor
Nicknames: Rose, Rosie, "The French Queen"
Hometown or where you were born: At one of my family’s many residences, Richmond Palace, Richmond upon Thames; though, this was before the fire, when it was still known as Sheen Palace.
Current Residence: Westhorpe Hall, Suffolk
Age: 20 summers
Class: Do you ask this in earnest? As the youngest, and most favored, sister of our most illustrious and gracious King Henry, that would make my family the grandest in all the world, and I of royal blood.
What do you do, your main function in life/society?: To have children and act as a political pawn for the betterment of sovereign England.
You believe I jest?! If only ‘twere a joke! At least, that is what I was born and bred to do; not that I have ever merely accepted what has been handed to or expected of me! (Believe me, if you had to lie night after night with a pocky, old Frenchman, you would grasp your destiny with your own hands as well!)
Have you ever gone skinny-dipping / do you know how to swim?: Every time I bathe. Aside from this, no lady would be caught swimming without her skivvies! Though, I have in the past been accused of being the most unladylike lady in Court; you will notice however that the Duke of Buckingham is no longer a member of our court. I believe he is now 8 inches shorter than he was when he made this "observation" about me.
And I have learned to swim; I prayed so fervently for a storm to take my ship on route to France to marry old King Louis, I had to be sure that I could swim home in case God saw fit to answer a young girl’s prayer!
Do you make fun of people?: I never make fun, though a sharp comment has been known to fly out of my mouth. As my brother’s previous wife once ran to him for her defense as she swittered from my commentary, he shrugged her off saying, "I told you she had talons."
Favorite Color And why?: Rose. As those closest to me call me by my middle name, over the years their gifts have begun to follow suit. Rose has become the color I associate with family, friendship, and love.
Have you ever committed or been convicted of a crime?: My husband (Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk) and I were both accused of treason many years ago by the Privy Council for marrying without my brother’s consent (Despite the fact that my brother promised me that if I outlived my first husband, my second could be a man of my own choosing!).
Despite their urgings that Charles should be imprisoned or executed, my brother’s affection for us overcame his wrath and he let us off with little more than a fine. I have always found Henry’s wrath rather whitwhat as he is also the grandest flahooler I have ever known! Besides, Henry has always been quite fond of both of us; I don’t think he could bear to punish us any more than that.
Closest friends/How did you meet?:
Charles Brandon: After Charles’ father died in the service of my father at the Battle of Bosworth, my father saw fit to bring Charles to our court and raise him alongside his own children. Though he was originally intended to be the playmate of my eldest brother Arthur, God rest his soul, he rather took to all of us and we all became fast friends over the years. Though I did become rather more affectionately attached to him than mere friends.Henry Tudor: My brother has always been my closest friend. As the second son, Henry was not originally intended to be king, and so had far more time to play with his silly younger sister. We have always found pleasure in all of the same pastimes and pursuits. I have often been told that had I been born a man, I would be Henry’s twin.
Anne Boelyn: Dear Anne was one of but a few Englishwomen who accompanied me to France for my first marriage. I was so very young then that I was terrified of what fate held in store for me. It is only the encouragement of Anne that gave me the strength and courage to go through with my marriage to old Louis. It gives me infinite joy that the woman who stood so solidly by my side is soon to be my very own dear sister.
One Pillow or two?: Two, unless they are thrown to the floor. If I am not sharing my bed with Charles, then he is sharing his with me.
Pets?: My favorite falcon, Icarus. He has never let his prey escape, and with him, I can best my brother in the hunt every time. And how I love to see my brother’s face puff up when he has been defeated!
Favorite Type of Music?: A lively jig or reel. I love to dance, but sometimes the dances of Court can be quite stodgy. I adore anything that leaves me breathless.
Hobbies/Pastimes?: I love a fierce hunt. I find it quite exhilarating
to chase down and capture my prey. I take far more pleasure in the hunt than in the kill.And I love to dance, and I love masques, and music, and imbibing, and feasting! All of the things that makes one feel most alive! I do not think I shall ever find myself too old to wake up womblety-cropt!
Personal Hygiene?: I bathe as often as is necessary. It is no secret that my brother detests foul odors; it is in no one’s best interest to offend the King.
Favorite Food?: Venison, roasted boar or sow, game fowl. A large haunch of salty meat makes my mouth water (and I have no illusions that I am quite fortunate to be able to eat thus every day!).
Are your parents alive, do you get along with them?: They are not, but I did get along with them very well. My mother, Elizabeth of York, was gentle, kind, and generous to her relations, her servants, and her benefactors. Her elegant gracefulness and eloquence quickly found her as my role-model. My father, Henry VII, had less to do with me (hardly surprising as a daughter) though he too was kind and loving. He frequently told me that I was the Tudor Rose. What endeared them to me the most was their genuine love and concern for one another.
If your parents are dead, when and how did they die?: Sadly, both of my parents passed on a number of years ago, as one tragedy in the Tudor family begot another. My brother Arthur was the first to go from an epidemic that ran rampant through his residence at Ludlow Castle. Grieved, my parents quickly produced another child, my sister Katherine, who died that same day. From this, my beloved mother, Elizabeth, gleaned an infection which was the death of her. My father, Henry, was then not far behind. The doctors believe his death was the result of a broken heart due to the pain of losing a son, a daughter, and his cherished wife practically all at once.
Favorite place to relax?: In the quiet seclusion of the forest in the early hours of the morning. Charles and I adore an early morning ride above most other things and love to leave the horses behind to meander through the woods on foot. It is such a boon before enduring the drama and conflict of Court.
Favorite Holy Day / Why?: June 28. Surely you are aware that this is the natal day of our most illustrious King Henry, by the grace of God! I challenge anyone who claims it is not the greatest feast day of all; no one arranges a feast quite like my brother! Besides, as Henry is King ordained by God, how could his birthdate not be considered a Holy Day?
Favorite Drink?: MEAD!!! No, wait!…ALE!!! No, tis WINE!!! No…it is mead.
What's your bedtime?: Whenever Charles gives me that certain look. Or are you asking when I go to sleep? If that is the question, then whenever I can no longer keep my eyes open; I have been known to stay up all the night through and well into the next day.
What, if anything, do you usually wear on your feet?: That entirely depends on the color of my gown and the activities we have planned. I have several pairs of the most beautifully crafted silk slippers, though they would never do for hunting, and I have several pairs of the sturdiest boots to tromp through the mud in, though they would never do for a ball. What I wear on my feet is entirely dictated by the demands of the day.
Are you married or single?: I am REmarried, and this time for love. My first marriage was to Louis XII of France; we were married for three months before he passed on from "overexertion". As Henry had promised me before I married Louis that if I outlived him my next husband could be one of my own choosing, I was determined to marry for no other reason than love. When Henry sent Charles to retrieve me from France, having made Charles promise he would not propose to me, we were secretly married in the small chapel of the Palais de Cluny with the help of Francis I. After Henry forgave our wedding without his permission (though I maintain I was granted his permission before my first marriage!) we returned to England for a wedding more befitting Henry’s favorite sister and best friend.
Do you have a family / who are they?: I believe by now you are already acquainted with my husband, Charles Brandon. We have been graced by God with three beautiful children, Henry, Frances, and Eleanor. I believe you should also be well acquainted with my brother, King Henry, and his betrothed, Anne Boelyn. The only real family I have remaining that I have not had occasion to mention thus far is my elder sister, Margaret. Sadly, she has been so long away in Scotland that I have never become terribly well acquainted with her. She shall be in attendance of Henry’s wedding to Anne, so perhaps it is time for our estrangement to come to an end!
Favorite Entertainment?: I enjoy hunting, falconry, archery, jousts, riding, masques, balls, lawn bowling, feasting…I cannot think of an activity that I do not enjoy! There are so very many distractions at Court!
Favorite Subject in School or Chore growing up? : Dancing. Nay! I jest you not! Every well-born young woman must know how to conduct herself on the dance floor. It was the perfect excuse to spend time with all of the young men of court, and to beg a few moments of Charles’ time away from my brother.
Least Favorite Subject in School or Chore growing up?: Latin. I understand it’s importance, but what a bore! It is not as though I can exactly hold a conversation with anyone in that tongue, and anyone who has attended more than one Catholic Mass knows exactly what is being said at any given time, so it seemed to me the greatest waste of time.
Favorite Sport (to do):? I enjoy a good bare-back ride. And when Charles is too fatigued, we like to take the horses out.
Most Humiliating Moment?: My first husband was a man 34 years my senior; Louis was pox-scarred and afflicted with gout. Can you imagine the humiliation of the young Queen of France attending court the morning after her wedding to find her husband has boasted to all the gentlemen of court at having "thrice times crossed the river" the night before?
Proudest Moment?: The day Charles and I were *officially* married. Though my fear was never terribly great that Henry would not forgive us, waiting in Calais for Cardinal Wolsey to send word that we were forgiven and were to come home for an official wedding was almost more strain than I could bear! When finally we arrived in England and I was able to wed Charles in front of not only God this time, but also my most beloved brother and monarch, I wept with joy at my unabashed happiness.
Craziest Person or silliest you know?: King Henry; only my brother would defy the Holy Father in Rome. He is either one of the bravest men I know, or one of the most insane.
What do you look for in the opposite sex?: Bravery, courage, strength, honor, passion, humility, compassion, kind-heartedness, intelligence, gentility; and of course someone who has earned the favor of my esteemed brother!
In our Hierarchical Society everybody has somebody "over" them. Who is your immediate "overlord"?: None other than my very own brother Henry. Although, I have been known to go temporarily deaf and not hear a word he says to me and so bugger off and do just as I please anyway.
and How Do You Feel about that person?: I love and adore my brother above even myself. I would happily lay down my life for him were the circumstances ever to demand it.
Favorite Sport to watch?: Wrestling between Charles and Henry. My brother is certainly an accomplished wrestler, but not as much so as my husband. And yet, Henry seems to win every time…
Do you remember your first kiss?: It was with Charles and was the first moment that I knew I loved him! My brother was hosting a ball and as the night wore on and Charles and I danced and danced together, our bodies grew closer and closer to one another. I do not remember who first leaned in, only that in that moment, I knew what it was to walk in heaven with the angels.
Do you keep in touch with your childhood friends?: Absolutely! They are my husband and my brother and I hold them dearer to my bosom now than ever in the past!
Where is your favorite "Vacation" spot?: I like to go home to the quiet of Westhorpe Hall when I am ready to take my ease. Our 3 children are quite a bit more relaxing and comforting to be around than the drama and intrigue of court.
Have you ever been overseas: They don’t call me The French Queen for nothing!
Do you have Dirt/Mud floors or Stone: That entirely depends on where I am residing at the time. When at home in Westhorpe Hall with Charles, our floors are wood; when at my brother’s first home of Whitehall Palace our floors are stone; when at home with my brother at Hampton Court Palace, our floors are marble.
What is your bed made of?: I sleep upon a pallet of the softest feathers and tend to rest my head upon my husband’s strong shoulder or chest. What better pillow could a woman ask for?
How many people sleep in your bed: Either two, or none at all. Remember, I married Charles for love. If he is not in my bed, then I am in his. Seems rather to be a waste of a room for us each to have our own bedchambers as we always share!
10 Things Everybody Should Know About Me
1. I love, adore, and cherish my husband more than life its very self.
2. My brother has been my dearest and closest friend all of my life.
3. I will always do just as I please, despite what the King may have to say about it.
4. I am insanely, desperately, truly, madly, deeply in love with my husband.
5. I remain an ardent Catholic, despite the recent upheaval in the church.
6. If my brother Henry remains heirless, my son Henry may well be the next heir to the throne of England.
7. Only Charles, Henry, and Anne may call me by the very intimate name of Rose or Rosie.
8. King Henry favors me above all others (excepting his future bride, of course!).
9. My three beautiful children are the light of my life; leaving them in Suffolk to attend Court grieves me.
10. I am as fine a hunter and sportsman as any man at Court.