Past Affairs Resurface

• Rumors about Catherine’s premarital relationships began to circulate.

• Investigations revealed that she had been involved with Francis Dereham before her marriage and possibly had ongoing liaisons with Thomas Culpeper during her queenship.

Henry’s Reaction

• Henry was furious and felt betrayed, especially by Thomas Culpeper, whom he trusted.

• The scandal deeply wounded Henry, both personally and politically.

Arrest and Charges

• Catherine was arrested in November 1541 and charged with adultery and treason.

• The charges carried the death penalty, reflecting the seriousness of betrayal against the king

 Trial and Execution

Trial Proceedings

• Catherine was tried in November 1541.

• Evidence of her past and alleged present indiscretions was presented.

• Despite her youth and some claims of ignorance, she was found guilty.

Execution

• Catherine Howard was executed by beheading on February 13, 1542, at the Tower of London.

• Her death marked a grim end to her short and turbulent time as queen. shutdown123