CONSTANT PRINCESS

What was it like for young Katalina, daughter of Spain's King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, when her parents sent the young teen off to England to marry Prince Arthur, whom she had never seen? Jill Tanner uses a light touch to portray the young prince and princess, and ages her voice as the story progresses through Catherine of Aragon's life. Her characterization of young Henry VIII likewise changes as he ages from the 8-year-old boy who greets the arriving princess to the adult who becomes King of England and Catherine's second husband. Gregory's accurate history blends well with her fictional lifestyle of the young royals, and Tanner's performance completes a satisfying package. R.L.L. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/ SEP 06]