In this episode of Off the Record, we’re stepping into one of history’s most fascinating rabbit holes: the heirs who should have changed everything… but died too soon.

What if Arthur Tudor had survived - and become king? Would Henry VIII ever have worn the crown… or married Katherine of Aragon? Would England have avoided the seismic religious and political upheaval that followed?

Then we go even deeper into the tragedy of succession: Henry, Duke of Cornwall, the long-awaited son of Henry VIII and Katherine of Aragon - gone before he could even grow into his destiny. What might his survival have meant for the Tudor dynasty, for Mary and Elizabeth, and for the future of the English throne?

And finally, we explore the ultimate wildcard: Henry Fitzroy, Henry VIII’s acknowledged (and beloved) illegitimate son. If Fitzroy had lived - could he have been legitimized? Would Henry have pushed him forward as heir?

Join us for a bold, speculative conversation full of twists, consequences, and alternate timelines as we ask the question Tudor history never lets us forget: what happens when the future dies?

--

Historical Nicknames Merch

--

New course alert! Medieval True Crime with Matt Lewis is officially on sale. Pre-recorded lessons, watch at your own pace, and a LIVE Q&A finale. Don’t miss it - tickets available now!

Would you rather show us how much you love the show? Consider becoming a Patreon patron - you'll get COMMERCIAL-FREE episodes, early access, and exclusive content.

--

Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Amy McElroy