♚ @dailytudors: TUDOR WEEK 2025 ♚
day seven | favourite Tudor influence or favourite Tudor international friendship
Francis I, King of France and Henry VIII, King of England were part of a triumvirate of Kings that held the power in mid 16th century Europe. Out of all their contemporaries they were arguably the most equal in manner and education. Both shared the dreams of power and chivalric glory attempting to echo and eclipse their forefathers; however their relationship featured intense personal and dynastic rivalry. One of the highlights of both their reigns was the Field of Cloth of Gold, the aim was to join the two kingdoms in a pact of solidarity and friendship, notably against the insurgence of the Ottoman Empire, which was threatening Christian Europe at the time. Henry attempted to seal the alliance with multiple offers of betrothing his daughters to Francis’ sons. Henry's second wife was a strong supporter of the French having spent her formative courtly education in the court of Henry's sister onetime Queen of France (Francis' once stepmother-in-law) and later in the court of Francis' wife. However, England was the smaller player in the relationship with both seeking alliances with Spain (Henry's once in laws) and Henry's neighbours Scotland (the old alliance of France but also Henry's nephews realm).
2/2: HENRY VIII, KING OF ENGLAND AND FRANCIS I, KING OF FRANCE
