Katherine of Aragon
Young Katherine of Aragon walked into English court with her Spanish fashions and entourage, really turning heads and shaking things up. Six years older than Henry VIII, she initially married his brother King Arthur, who died five months after their wedding while Katherine was just sixteen. Groomed from birth to be a queen, she received a comprehensive Renaissance education covering art, philosophy, and politics, while maintaining her strong Catholic faith.
As Henry's wife, they shared genuine mutual respect, both working toward their vision of a powerful and influential England. Katherine promoted policies that advanced women's rights, enjoying a relatively equal partnership in both their marriage and leadership. When Henry was fighting in France, she acted as regent and even led the English army to defeat Scotland.
When she couldn't produce a male heir, Henry ended their marriage to wed Anne Boleyn, one of Katherine's own ladies-in-waiting. Katherine refused to agree to an annulment and forced Henry VIII into a legal battle to divorce her. She remained firm in saying that her marriage with Arthur was never consummated, and therefore she was never truly married to Arthur, invalidating Henry VIII's argument.
Despite being sent away to Kimbolton Castle and downgraded to Dowager Princess of Wales, Katherine remained loyal to Henry until her death.