I wanted to clarify a point brought to my attention regarding the cause of death of Queen Catherine of Aragon in January 7, 1536 AD at Kimbolton Castle, England.

To the best of my knowledge, the Queen's cause of death was unknown. Afterwards, an autopsy had been performed because of suspicions against Queen Anne Boleyn of poisoning her. It was stated in official documents of the time that Catherine's heart was found black. It has been suggested to me that she died of cancer, and as far as I know, no tumors or similiar masses were found in her body's postmortem examination.

When I stated in my previous post that Catherine of Aragon died of a broken heart, I was speaking poetically. None of my sources list a cause of death, although her symptoms before dying are noted: stomach pain, nausea and lack of appetite. With emerging medical research on the link between physical and mental health, I feel that the many years of heartbreak and high stress, both as a Princess Dowager (widow of Price Arthur), then as repudiated wife and heartbroken mother separated from her child, took their toll on Catherine of Aragon... ultimately resulting in her death shortly before 2:00 PM that wintry day in 1536.

Anyone who doubts this poor woman's anguish need only read her last letter to Henry. I feel it proves her pain, but also her love for the man who broke her heart.