Catherine Howard was the fifth wife of King Henry VIII of England. Born around 1523, she was a cousin of Anne Boleyn, Henry's second wife. Catherine became queen in 1540 when she was just 17 years old, but her reign was short-lived due to her youthful behavior and alleged infidelities. In 1542, Catherine was arrested and charged with treason for committing adultery. She was found guilty and executed by beheading at the Tower of London on February 13, 1542. Her tragic story highlights the dangers of court life during the Tudor period.