Thanks for posting this. Catherine de Valois has long been overlooked--historians tend to like Eleanor of Aquitaine when it comes to influential Queens Consort. But I've long thought Catherine should have her due, outside of Shakespeare. She was astute enough to protect her own interests as well as her oldest son's rights. It also speaks volumes that Henry took on the wardships of his surviving half siblings after he attained his majority and had sufficient power. Most kings back then didn't acknowledge illegitimte half siblings, which is a big argument for Catherine and Owen Tudor's marriage.

I could go on and on about Catherine!