Catherine Howard Was a Young Stepmother
Princess Mary wasn’t thrilled to welcome Catherine Howard as her stepmother. First, Catherine was at least seven years younger, and second, she was a Boleyn. Catherine was cousin to Anne Boleyn, the woman who displaced Mary’s mother. Catherine felt Mary wasn’t showing her due respect, but by May of 1541, the two seem to have developed a truce.
Henry VIII allowed Mary to remain at court, and Catherine gave her a gold pomander decorated with rubies and pearls. Catherine and Elizabeth, being more directly related, got along well, although they didn’t meet often. There is little documentation about Catherine’s relationship with Prince Edward, as the two rarely saw each other.
