Funeral of Henry VII

I knew that Father was ill but I am surprised that he passed on. We were saddened when Mother but now Father. I went to Henry and cried.

I was with my brother and sisters as news had been bought to us that our dear father Henry had passed. I could see that Mary was very saddened by it and as she came over to us, she started to cry. I gave her a big hug.

News had been given to me that father had passed away. I still could not believe that I was now King of England at the age of just 17. Mary had become very tearful as I knew she was very close to father. I hug her just like my brother Arthur did.

Father had been laid on the bier in front of the altar, only for our eyes to see before he was to be placed in his coffin for tonight's procession. He wore his nightshirt, a piece of black cloth placed at his feet. The once powerful man who my mother had married seemed shriveled with illness: his high cheekbones sunken, dark circles round his eyes. A shadow of the king whom was once my father.

I knew consumption was wasting, I had thought of what I might see here on the carriage ride to London, yet I was not ready for this. I could feel tears creep down my cheek as I forced myself to look away.

I could see Margaret's sadness as she looked towards father. We had all gathered together and I put my arm around her with a tear in my eye too. I could not believe that father had gone.

Margaret, Arthur, Henry and I huddle together.  Holding each other up.  When Mother passed away,  Father was a shell of his former self.  Now he too has passed.

The moment had come. I was now King of England and I was still lost as to what I should do. I hugged my sisters as we gathered together. Soon an announcement of my succession would be made.

I cannot seem to shed tears. My heart is frozen. The one thing that meant the world to me is gone. He was the only thing I ever fought for and now he is gone.

I turn to my grandchildren, "I am indeed sorry for the loss of your father and you late mother. You may turn to me if you ever need guidance in this world."

Tears in my eyes I turned to look at Grandmother. . Thank you so much for kindness Grandmother. I give her a hug and kiss her cheek.

I feel as if I cannot move: the sight before me has paralyzed me with a feeling I cannot name, a feeling I have not felt for years. I can barely look to my lady grandmother, her arms wrapped around my sister. It is as if time is slowed, and I am stuck in some quagmire of minutes, hours.

A fleeting thought yells across the void of my mind: your parents are gone, Margaret. There is a bone chilling notion that comes with that thought. I quickly blot it out.

I looked at Margaret and she looks like she is numb. Like she can not believe what is happening. I walk over to my sister and I gently touch her shoulder. Is there anything I can do for you. I see you standing here alone. I do not want you to be by yourself at this time. Talk to me please let me help you if I can. If all I can do is listen then let me do that for you.

I arrive at Westminister Palace for thy old kings funeral.

I see Katherine of Aragon come in to Westminster Palace. . Hello Katherine.

I can barely see Catalina through my tears. I nod to her as I wipe my eyes on my sleeve.

I arrive at thy funeral of thy old king Henry.

. Margaret tell me is there anything I can do for you. I know that you are grieving so I would like to help me the way you would help me in this time of need..

"I..." I can barely speak. "I do not know." I am a heap of feelings, in silk brocade. I do not feel human in my grief. I turn away from the funeral bier, as if to turn my eyes from the realisation that my parents are gone.

"What are the plans for the funeral?" I ask, seemingly against my will. I hope that the plans for our father will numb the pain of his death, to pathologise what happened, almost.