Editor’s Note: This article has been revised and technically updated in August 2025 to improve its structure and readability, while fully respecting its original content.
On August 22, 1545, Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk, died in Guildford. He passed away at the ripe old age of 61, after an extremely successful and fulfilling life. In fact, throughout his life, Suffolk was known as “a second king” due to his close friendship with Henry VIII and his great influence on the English monarchy.
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After a life of sports, flirtations, and court politics, the Duke settled well into his third and final marriage to Catherine Willoughby (he had previously been married to Anne Browne and Princess Mary Tudor, the king’s sister).
His last years were spent with Catherine, and they were reportedly quite happy. His ‘wild’ years were long gone, and he was now a very wealthy old man. So when he passed away quietly and unexpectedly, no one was really surprised, though his death undoubtedly hit the aging King Henry VIII hard, who would himself die just a year and a half later.
King Henry’s loyalty to the Duke of Suffolk was outstanding, particularly for someone who did not hesitate to behead those close to him. It is curious that Charles was not portrayed as a cruel individual who misused power, but rather as a companion and friend.
The Funeral of Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk
Although Suffolk had requested a quiet funeral in his will, it was not to be. For a man who acted as a second king and held the king’s affection more than anyone else, he was given a grand and splendid ceremony fit for a king. The funeral service took place in St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, which Henry himself paid for and arranged. It was reportedly a very emotional occasion for King Henry, as this had been his best friend and companion for virtually his entire life.
Charles Brandon in “The Tudors”: Fact vs. Fiction
The death of Charles Brandon in the television series “The Tudors” is somewhat inaccurately portrayed. While he may well have come down with a sudden fever, he was not being cared for by his French mistress, as that character was a complete fabrication. In fact, when Charles was on his deathbed, he was supposedly with his beloved wife Catherine. More accurate, however, is how “The Tudors” depicted Henry VIII’s reaction to Suffolk’s illness, choosing to show his death in the final episode to emphasize his importance to the king.
Summary: The End of an Era
Charles Brandon, 1st Duke of Suffolk, was a prominent figure in Tudor England. The cause of his death is not entirely clear; some sources suggest natural causes, while others point to a sudden illness. He was buried in St. George’s Chapel in Windsor, where a magnificent tomb was erected in his honor. Although his influence had waned in his final years, his legacy as a key figure of the Tudor era endures to this day.
