Lavishly produced, very well acted and generally quite entertaining, but I did think the Spanish Princess drifted into soap opera a little too often. Massive liberties taken with history, but we should all know by now that any show "based on historical events" is just that - most of the people existed, some of the things happened, but most of it is pure fiction. Still, I often find these kinds of shows interesting because they lure me into checking the historical facts, which is educational. I was surprised to find, for instance, that Catherine actually did have a black woman as one of her retinue of 'ladies'.
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mandagrammy21 May 2019This review comes after only the first 3 episodes. I was excited at the prospect of seeing the story of Catherine of Aragon, which usually is only a sideline to the story of Henry VIII and his six wives. Now, I'm aware that historical dramas cannot be totally factual in every way for good reason, but I find it disconcerting to twist what is known to be true in a massive way. In just 3 episodes I have witnessed countless discrepancies that are just too glaring to be ignored. Most egregious is portraying Henry, Arthur's much younger brother, as being the same age as he and Catherine. I think I understand their reasoning, but it cuts down my star rating (among other glaring mistakes) by quite a bit. I watch historical pieces for the history as much as the drama. And really, this story has plenty of real-life drama which doesn't need made up stuff to be interesting. Hopefully the rest of this series won't be as big a disappointment, since I intend to keep watching anyway.
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Like the other Starz shows, The White Princess & The White Queen, this production is lavish and high in value. It is undoubtedly cleaner than the real 16th Century world but has the feeling of authenticity about it.
There are some horrendous historical liberties taken by the producers. Arthur & Catherine were 15 when they married. Arthur died before his 16th birthday. Henry was 10, going on 11, over the 6 months of Catherine's marriage. Given most of the series is about Henry & Catherine's relationship the producers saw fit to make Henry & Arthur a similar age, maybe 18 & 19, respectively. Fair enough, but it does ensure a divergence from the historical facts, which is a pity.
The other and maybe more relevant fact is why Catherine was chosen to be the wife of the English heir male. She was descended from the legitimate English Lancastrian line via her mother. She had a stronger claim to the English throne than Henry VII, who was descended from an illigitimate Lancastrian line. The male offspring of Catherine would legitimise the Tudor dynasty. For this reason Henry VII, his wife & his mother would be moving heaven & earth to keep Catherine in England. Indeed, she became a virtual prisoner of the English crown for 7 years before she married her brother in law, the young Henry.
Overall, the historical costume drama is enjoyable enough and given it's only 10 episodes makes it easy enough to watch. -
rse22 May 2019If you know nothing about Spanish or English history of this era, this may be fun for you. But there are so many historical inconsistencies that to me it was sometimes annoying. Nice costumes though! In spite of that said, the series is very watchable and easy to enjoy. The liberties taken with what is actually known of the story of Katherine of Aragon could possibly be justified or even possible. As the saying goes, history is written by the winners.
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ethomen20 June 2019There are so many historical inaccuracies in this, but it isn't badly done. It's on par with The White Queen and the White Princess, which also were loosely based on the true events. The show does state this at the end of every show.
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joewhalen724 October 2020I have nothing against black actors and actresses, but using them in historical TV series where there were none in the actual events makes no sense. (That's about as logical as having a black actor play one of Hitler's SS.) Unfortunately, that's what this series does. What coming next, acceptance of gay or lesbian couples in an era when that would most likely have gotten such behavior not only condemned but resulted in execution?
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Unknownian6 May 2019I watched with an open mind, and hoping it would at least hold a candle to the previous two series: The White Queen, and The White Princess. It didn't. The characters were off beat from the preceding shows. When The White Princess followed the The White Queen, the director, and casting management really did a great job of finding actors that fit the roles of their predecessors. It was done so well, that I didn't even need to hear their name to know who everyone was in most cases.
This latest effort fails terribly in that department, as King Henry is a doofus, and his son is homely, I can't even look at him. The son of Henry should be attractive, as in the prior series the parents were extremely attractive. So, if the idea that the preordained Princess from Spain is semi attractive, and Prince Arthur is homely, is the opening premise for this show, and none of the characters seem to be the same character they were in the previous two series I liked, and the sets are a low budget version of its predecessors, then I will pass on this mess. -
gvgiordano23 May 2020In the end it is the material you are working with and the skill of screenwriters that allow actors and directors to turn a story into a compelling screen piece. Unfortunately, whether it is the book or the screenwriting, this story has slipped in Starz's Tudor trilogy. Laura Carmichael and Harriet Walter give excellent performances and should receive their credit. Frankly, they carry the show. This third installment is more a romantic then historical fiction.
As others have pointed out Henry was 11 when Catherine came to court, not some love sick 16 year old. If you want the Catherine/Henry/Boleyn story, which I expect Season 2 to be, watch WolfHall for first rate historical fiction and acting. -
sillygirljess18 May 2020I don't study history or watch historical documentaries for fun. I have a very stressful job as a psychotherapist and when it's nearly time for bed I like to tune out with something interesting enough to keep my brain going a bit, but not so emotional that I'm back at work dealing with someone else's inner pain. I thought this was good. I'm looking forward to the sequel. I don't care if it was inaccurate because I didn't realize it was supposed to be historically accurate when I started watching it.
If that's what you're looking for, then this is a pretty good choice. :) -
butterflygreen29 May 2021This was a good drama to watch, interesting, great scenery, props, some good acting. It kept me entertained. I was a little saddened by the historical inaccuracies which seems so common in everything today. How easily we alter things to pander to the current woke trends. Henry was too unbelievable as a king, he seemed weak and unable to control the women in his life. It is good if you fancy loosing yourself in long skirts and fancifullness. But don't expect a true account of England's history. The series is based on a novel so you get what you expect.
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beraycayli-9922015 October 2019If you know absolutely nothing of this era, this is your show. If you do, you must ignore the very obvious historical inconsistencies.
Honestly, why? They have the money. The history is very interesting on its own. I am so disappointed, Catherine of Aragon deserved better. -
BeRightBack15 February 2020The White Queen was very lurid but it was entertaining.
The White Princess was very lurid and it was NOT entertaining.
The Spanish Princess, well . . . . At least Catharine has red hair. -
janniepoo-838598 May 2019I just LOVED The White Queen & The White Princess! It was brilliant. The actors, everyone of them were superb, a 10 star plus! I don't know why casting management did not use the same actors from White Princess. They could have aged them up with hair and makeup. I don't like King Henry at all or Elizabeth. They don't work in this project. With the cast from White Princess and the newbies in this one, Spanish Princess could have been a winner. Right now, it's not! I will watch one more time to see if it gets any better.I'm quite disappointed.
Second Review - I have watched Episode 2 - I stilll don't like King Henry, the rest of the cast is fantastic, I'm hooked once again! -
I was a fan of The White Queen and The White Princess, and as much they are excellent, there was a small quality drop between the first two, the drop of the third is much more drastic.
The book it is based on has a lot more detail that was skipped over, from Catherine's correct Spanish pronunciation "Catalina" to the wardrobe, which was much more Spanish/Arab influenced.
To the fact she did not Speak English, when she came to England!
The book was correct that she and Arthur had to speak in Latin mostly, as that was the primary language they had in common.
People are praising the costumes- which are very elaborate, but not very period correct. The hair and veils were much too modern.
We have portraits of these people; historians can give advice on correct costuming.
Harry was much too old in the show; he was 11 when Arthur married Catherine.
That is only a few of the issues. -
I mean really people are complaining about the nudity, or about the fictionalization? The problem my friends is with the acting. All the main characters are portrayed not by mediocre actors, but very very bad actors. It is completely unwatchable
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asianaithylife6 May 2019The Spanish Princess is based on actual history, depicting the relationship and origin of Catherine of Aragon and Henrry VIII. Honestly, I'd say this show was a great watch. Although there were some historical inaccuracies, overall the show did a great job in casting and moving the story along at a good pace so that viewers get the full experience and information about the time period.
Catherine is a really strong character and I admire that about her. I also really like the fact that this show goes on with the White Princess and the White Queen series. The costumes are stunning and The setting creates a good mood.
I'd say this show was great and really portrayed everything well. The struggles that the characters face kind of tie in with our time and really shows how the problems of the time have sort of survived for years and years. It's more relatable that way and I think that's what makes this show so intriguing.
Most things were good and I would definitely recommend to those who like a historical show that has tension, romance, greed, and political intrigue. -
championdesvolkes8120 July 2019I hoped for the Tudors, expected the White Queen, but its more like Reign. Too much Soap Opera than History Drama Piece. Only for Genre Fans
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dmsuxdfm10 May 2020Not sure why this has bad reviews. Historically correct or not it's a great series and very interesting. Give it a go. Acting and scenes are superb.
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SnoopyStyle2 December 2020Spanish princess Catherine of Aragon (Charlotte Hope) marries Prince Arthur, heir to the English throne, although she is more connected to his brother Harry. Arthur dies and she marries Harry. She becomes the Queen of England and the first wife of King Henry VIII (Ruairi O'Connor).
This continues the soaping up of the historical royal family with sex and murder. It is now a well established subgenre since The Tudors. As always, one must check your historian hat at the door. This is melodrama for popular consumption and literary giants such as Shakespeare have done the same. Catherine can be a troublesome lead for a show. One can sometimes use the B word on her although she is always under the patriarchal system. It's a fine addition to these types of shows. -
samdoan24 June 2019When The White Princess ended, I just felt like I needed more and here we have an excellent follow-up to the amazing show.
Once again, the production in all three shows is absolutely astounding. I was so invested in the returning characters' storylines such as Margaret Beaufort, Lizzie Of York, Margaret Pole and Henry VII because it added much more depth to them. As for the new characters Catherine of Aragon was always a person I've been fascinated with ever since I watched The Tudors. Even if Charlotte Hope isn't a Spanish actress, she still delivers an amazing performance. My only gripe with the show is the love story between Lina and Oviedo. It just felt rather forced even if it did serve some great drama in later episodes.
What I love most about all three shows is the depiction of morally grey characters and it is so fascinating to watch because we are all so used to only "good and evil" characters. I cannot wait to see the continuation of Catherine's story in Season 2! -
fitzyboy7 October 2020Can't argue with the negative reviews. However, after rewatching it for the third time and having left all expectations out the door I have come to enjoy it a lot more. Just don't expect anything from it and you won't be disappointed.
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kricket161724 June 2019I have read every book, fiction and non-fiction, about Henry 8th and English history for over 40 years! I have watched 2 of these episodes and can't watch anymore! The true story is interesting and I don't understand why the writers have to make so much of this untrue. Lady Margaret was not a villian! She didn't stay at court. She lived in the country! Her character bothers me the most. But Prince Henry being so old is ridiculous! He was 10 years old when Catherine arrived! If you want the true story, don't watch this.
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harleyquinn-8262721 June 2019This is a good show filled with drama, suspense, romance, and a little action. For those of you critiquing the show because of the lack of actual facts and correct history, at the end of the show there is a statement that reads " Some historical events and characters have been altered in the film for dramatic purposes". So no the show isn't based on fact nor is it based on true history. Don't know where everybody got that idea but its obvious that this show is meant for entertainment. If you don't like it, don't watch it. If youre looking for a show full of fact, watch a documentary instead and keep your negative criticisms to yourselves.
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hampouchida5 December 2020I like this, but come on, it is yet another politically correct rewrite of history. I was surprised not to see any Asians with turquoise eye shadow in the ladies' court (like the recent Mary Queen of Scots).
And Laura Carmichael needs to be careful she does not get typecast as this is another sad sack victim role for her (like her character in Downton Abbey). -
jaskg30 August 2019Has no one noticed that Richard Pole grew his arm back.........