What If Arthur Tudor Had Lived? | Interview with Leah Toole, Author of The Rose and The Pomegranate

What if Prince Arthur, Henry VIII’s elder brother, had survived?In this special interview, I sit down with novelist Leah Toole to talk about her fascinating book "The Rose and The Pomegranate" — an alternative history novel that asks one of Tudor history’s biggest “what ifs.”In Leah’s world, Arthur Tudor doesn’t die in 1502 — and the ripple effects are enormous. Katherine of Aragon’s destiny changes, Henry VIII’s life takes a very different course, and familiar figures like the Boleyns, Wolsey, and Cromwell walk entirely new paths.In this conversation we explore:- Why Arthur Tudor and this “what if”?- How Leah balanced historical accuracy with imagination.- Arthur and Katherine’s marriage — and how it might have unfolded.- A reimagined Henry VIII without the six wives we know so well.- Which events Leah chose to keep… and which to reshape.- How a single turning point could have reshaped England, Europe, and the Church.It’s a thoughtful, imaginative, and meticulously researched take on Tudor history that fans won’t want to miss!"The Rose and The Pomegranate" is available now:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rose-Pomegranate-Leah-Toole/dp/173857783X/
https://www.amazon.com/Rose-Pomegranate-Leah-Toole/dp/173857783X/What Tudor “what if” would YOU most like to see explored? Tell us in the comments!More of my interviews: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLepqWJ7TpkrJ4vaP25436VYCw9ZB76J3J

Did Henry VIII & Arthur Tudor Have a Close Bond?

Henry VIII and his older brother, Arthur Tudor—were they close siblings or distant strangers? The answer might surprise you!
 
Despite being brothers, their lives were shaped by duty, distance, and very different upbringings. Arthur, as the heir to the throne, was raised in his own household, away from court, while young Henry was spoiled, surrounded by women, and never trained as a future king.
 
By the time Arthur tragically died at just 15, Henry had barely spent any time with him. But there’s one thing they did share… a wife!
 
So, was Henry’s relationship with Arthur truly distant, or is there more to the story? Find out in today’s Quick Q&A!
 
#TudorHistory #HenryVIII #ArthurTudor #TudorTrivia #RoyalBrothers #HistoryLover #MedievalHistory

March 27 - Arrangements are made for Prince Arthur to marry Catherine of Aragon

On this day in Tudor history, 27th March 1489, the Treaty of Medina del Campo was signed between England and Spain. One part of it was the arrangement of the marriage between Arthur, Prince of Wales, and Catherine (or Catalina) of Aragon. It was signed by Spain on this day and ratified in 1490 by Henry VII.
 
Find out more about this treaty and the betrothal and marriages (yes, plural!) of Arthur Tudor, Prince of Wales, and Catherine of Aragon in today's talk from Claire Ridgway, founder of the Tudor Society.
 
You can see this podcast as a video at the following link:
https://youtu.be/ivJa_K_8dh0
 
Also on this day in Tudor history, 27th March 1555, nineteen-year-old apprentice William Hunter was burned at the stake for heresy after being caught reading a Bible in church. Yep! Find out more in last year’s video - https://youtu.be/nItFisCuqFU 
 
You can find Claire at:
https://www.theanneboleynfiles.com 
https://www.tudorsociety.com
https://www.facebook.com/theanneboleynfiles/
https://www.facebook.com/tudorsociety/
https://twitter.com/AnneBoleynFiles 
https://twitter.com/thetudorsociety 
https://www.instagram.com/tudor.society/ 
https://www.instagram.com/anneboleynfiles/

September 20 - Arthur Tudor, Prince of Wales

On this day in Tudor history, 20th September 1486, King Henry VII's wife, Elizabeth of York, gave birth to the couple's first child at Winchester.
The baby was a boy and was baptised Arthur, named after the legendary King Arthur. There were high hopes for this boy and King Henry VII believed that his firstborn would be a powerful king who would bring a golden age to the country. Of course, things wouldn't go according to plan.
Find out more about Arthur Tudor, Prince of Wales, who was, of course, Catherine of Aragon's first husband, in today's talk from Claire Ridgway, founder of the Tudor Society.
You can see this podcast as a video at the following link:https://youtu.be/qYZLYzGU5NE