Tudor Princes and Princesses (Hardback)

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I love everything having to do with the Tudors, so when this book was announced, I jumped at the chance to be able to read this book. Fleming has managed to paint an intimate family portrait that humanizes one of the most notorious dynasties in British history.

As we track Henry VII's 24-year reign through the milestones of his marriage and children, a man deeply invested in his family begins to emerge from the sources. Particularly when the care he takes in choosing their tutors and staff is examined. By beginning with examining the young 29-year-old man who won the crown on Bosworth field, Fleming sets the stage for a different portrait of Henry VII. One that paints him as a loving family man who spared no expense, rather than merely a miserly, distant man.

Fleming also frames how Henry VII and Elizabeth of York's upbringings likely came to play pivotal roles in the ways they approached parenthood. This exploration provided a new perspective of looking at the relationship between Henry VII and Elizabeth of York. Traditionally, Henry VII is seen as having married Elizabeth of York because she was her father's heir, and by marrying her, Henry and Elizabeth could put an end to the Wars of the Roses. However, looking at the other assets brought to their marriage provides a more detailed picture of why this match was so desirable. For example, Elizabeth's time as the eldest daughter of a king prepared her to understand the importance of pageantry around the status of the royal family. Something that she took very seriously in the purchasing of items and entertainment for her children throughout their lives, and that Henry matched with his mythology building.

Although Fleming only lightly touches on the psychological aspects of how the family dynamics may have impacted each of the children, she presents an interesting argument about how their childhood experiences impacted their development and later life choices. For instance, Henry VIII's sudden rise to become heir imparted on him the need for multiple male children. Additionally, the loss of so many of his nuclear family members at a young age likely made a very young Henry confront mortality in a much deeper way than one would normally at that age. Again, Fleming takes the known evidence and reframes it to provide a more intimate portrait of the Tudors.

My favorite part of this book, however, was the discussion of Margaret, Queen of Scots' relationship with her grandmother Margaret Beaufort and Mary, Queen of France's relationship with Catherine of Aragon. Examining the way their household accounts and primary sources overlap helps to demonstrate the closeness and female-centered relationships occurring throughout their lives. It was particularly sweet to learn just how Margaret Beaufort stepped in to finish preparing Margaret, Queen of Scots, for her journey to Scotland after the tragic death of Elizabeth of York.

I would highly recommend this book for Tudor lovers and history lovers alike.

NetGalley, Shana Needham

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I love books that explore the childhoods of famous rulers—and this one is easily among the best I've read. Aimee Fleming offers a fascinating look at the children of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York before they became icons of English history.

Familiar figures like Henry VIII, Mary, and Margaret are shown as children shaped by their family dynamics and early experiences, which later echo throughout their adult lives. For instance, Henry VIII's anxious care for his son Edward makes much more sense when viewed in the context of the loss of his brothers.

One of the book’s strongest elements is its portrayal of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York as loving—but very different—parents who nonetheless managed to agree on how to raise their children. It adds real emotional depth to people often seen only through the lens of politics and power.

The writing is engaging and full of detail, and there are so many "aha!" moments made even more powerful by knowing how history turns out. I highly recommend this to anyone interested in British history or in discovering the human side of royal lives.

NetGalley, Magdalena Šejdová

This was such a refreshing take on a well-trodden era of English history. Tudor Princes and Princesses offers a fascinating window into the childhoods of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York’s children — those often overshadowed by their later roles in Tudor politics and religious upheaval.

Aimee Fleming brings real care and detail to this lesser-explored chapter of the Tudor story. Rather than focusing solely on the most famous names (like Henry VIII and Margaret), she gives thoughtful attention to all the siblings, including those who died young or whose stories were less politically prominent. I really appreciated the insight into their daily routines, educational expectations, sibling dynamics, and the lingering shadow of the Wars of the Roses over their formative years.

This book does a great job of bridging political history with personal biography, making it accessible and compelling for both casual Tudor readers and seasoned enthusiasts. I especially enjoyed how Fleming connected childhood experiences to the traits these figures would later exhibit as adults — it made their history feel more complete and human.

NetGalley, Chelsea Dugan

The perfect read for any Tudor and history reader.

NetGalley, Georgi Lvs Books

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

A fascinating look at the childhoods of Henry VII, Elizabeth of York, and their children. Three of whom would grow up to shape Europe and the Modern world.

NetGalley, Caroline Palmer

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

The book recounts the events of the childhood of the children of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York. Hardly anything is left out. For example, it talks about upbringing and education under difficult conditions. At the end, in the conclusion, the development of the children is once again beautifully described.
I really enjoyed the book. It is very informative. Sometimes you can't process everything so quickly, but the beautiful writing style makes it possible to read the text easily and quickly.
The book is well worth reading.
It's perfect for people who are very interested in British history!

NetGalley, Maria Müller

Tudor Princes and Princesses is an interesting and informative book. Aimee Fleming looks at the lives of the children of Henry vii and Elizabeth of York, discussing their childhoods, education, relationship with their parents and subsequent roles in political alliances. She shows how their upbringing and relationship with each other and wider family members influenced their actions and beliefs, and, as such, those of their children and grandchildren who would be so important and influential in the future of England and Scotland.
Aimee’s book will be a welcome addition to my Tudor history collection.

NetGalley, Nicola Hall

An intriguing and informative look at the children of the Royal Tudor household. Well-written, descriptive and well-paced.

NetGalley, Maggie Palner

Tudor Princes and Princesses is a brilliantly researched and well fleshed out narrative of one of the most exciting and tumultuous eras of British History. While focusing primarily on the famous royal figures, many of the supporting 'characters' are also explored. The inclusion of people not always spoken about in great detail was a welcome appearance. This history is brought to life through the people who made it. Well written and nuanced, this is the perfect book for people who want an inside look into the primary figures of Tudor England.

NetGalley, Bea Kenny

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I read this book on my travels and it was a great companion on train journeys and in coffee shops where I always looked forward to bringing out my kindle to read a chapter or two.

Many will know of the more famous children of Henry VII (Henry VIII I’m looking at you), but when it comes to naming his siblings and other children of the union of the House of York and Lancaster, Henry VIII tends to take centre stage. I really enjoyed getting to know the lives of the Tudors through the chapters and found it to be a really well written and enjoyable story from the start.

It was an easy book for me to consume as I both love the Tudors and learning more about this era so it delivered on all fronts. An easy 5/5.

NetGalley, Nicola Wilton

Tudor Princes and Princesses is a detailed non-fiction account of the early lives of the children of Henry Tudor and Elizabeth of York.

Having grown up obsessed with Tudor England and still having a strong interest in that period of history into adulthood, I gravitate towards this brand of historical non-fiction. It is evident that the author is very knowledgeable and conducted a lot of research when writing this book. I learned a lot.

NetGalley, Liberty Dean

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Quick read…very fun to deep dive into the world of the Tudors and learn about their princes and princesses. Learned some new information. Will definitely purchase when it releases.

NetGalley, Amber Ward