#*quotes

In December 1542, Henry invited Mary to court for New Year festivities. Eustace Chapuys, Imperial Ambassador, reported to Charles V that “this came very a propos for the Princess, who, in default of a queen, was called to Court triumphantly, accompanied by many ladies.” For the 1543 New Year celebration, Mary occupied a leading role in the gift exchange and the associated court ceremony. She embodied the role of queen consort, a foreshadowing of her future position as queen regnant. Her December privy purse accounts recorded the gifts she gave to the Prince’s household officers “at my ladies coming thens to the Kings Highnes.” The January accounts recorded her gifts “Geuen amongs the king’s officers vpon newyers Daye.”