Born in 1485 in Alcala de Henares, Spain, Catherine of Aragon was blessed with a fiercely independent, but loyal, spirit. Promised in marriage to Prince Arthur of Wales, she left Spain at an early age. After finally arriving in England, their marriage was celebrated at St. Paulâs Cathedral with weeks of festivities. However, the marriage was short-lived, as Prince Arthurâs untimely death led Catherine to marry his brother-Prince Henry. Though she never produced a male heir, and refused to abdicate the throne, Catherine left England many legacies, including her daughter Mary. In fact, many believe that it was she, not King Henry VIII, who planted the first pomegranate tree in England. Her royal coat of arms and Englandâs heraldry now bear a pomegranate insignia; further proof of her tremendous influence. She died of natural causes, head still firmly attached to her shoulders, at Kimbolton Castle in 1536.

The pomegranate was part of Catherine of Aragonâs coat of arms and was accepted into English heraldry when she married King Henry VIII.