- Prince Edward (later Edward VI): Edward VI, Henry VIII's only legitimate son, suffered from chronic ill health and possibly tuberculosis. His frail condition led to a short reign, dying at 15, and triggered the succession crisis.
- Princess Mary and Princess Elizabeth: Both Henry VIII’s daughters experienced health challenges. Elizabeth was rumored to have had smallpox in childhood, leaving her with scars, though she survived to become a long-reigning monarch.
- Henry VIII himself: The king suffered from obesity and a leg wound in his later years, which caused chronic pain and limited mobility, affecting his temperament and governance.
The health of royals was critical not only personally but politically, influencing marriage alliances, wars, and governance.
The Case of Henry FitzRoy: The Duke of Richmond
Henry FitzRoy (1519–1536), Henry VIII's illegitimate son, was the first Duke of Richmond and Somerset. While not officially a Tudor monarch, his life sheds light on disability in royal contexts.
FitzRoy reportedly suffered from health problems that some historians speculate could have been epilepsy or other neurological conditions. His poor health contributed to his early death at 17.
Henry VIII once considered legitimizing FitzRoy and naming him as heir, highlighting how physical fitness influenced decisions about succession and power. shutdown123