Betrayal and Loyalty

The narrative is rife with betrayals—by family, servants, and political allies—while loyalty is shown as rare and often dangerous, as seen in the Queen's trusting nature and its consequences.

Katharine's attempts to be loyal to both the king and Mary are thwarted by the disloyalty of those around her, and her own past threatens to betray her.

Cranmer's secret wearing of a crucifix and his marriage of Henry to a papist queen suggest a betrayal of the Reformation, while Lascelles' role as a spy implies divided loyalties.

Katharine's distrust of her uncle and her concern for Margot's loyalty reflect the theme of betrayal within personal and political relationships.

Mary feels betrayed by her father's treatment of her mother and his attempts to use her for political gain, while the King sees her as disloyal to his plans.