Did Henry VIII Write a Love Song for Catherine of Aragon?

Tudor History with Claire Ridgway

Did King Henry VIII’s carol “Green Groweth the Holly” carry a hidden message of love for Catherine of Aragon? Or was it simply a poetic exercise? That's the question I'm answering in my new Sunday Quick Q&A! This beautiful Tudor-era song is filled with symbolism—holly and ivy, fidelity and love—but who was it really for? Published in 1522, the lyrics promise devotion, but by then, Henry and Catherine’s marriage was already strained. Could it have been written earlier, during their fairytale romance? Or was it inspired by someone else entirely? Join me as we unravel the mystery of this royal composition and explore its possible meanings. Let me know your thoughts—was this a tribute to Catherine, or does it hold another secret? Link to video of the song being sung - https://youtu.be/eepnixfObTM #TudorQandA #HenryVIII #CatherineOfAragon #GreenGrowethTheHolly #TudorHistory #OnThisDay