Her mother was the last surviving member of the Plantagenet dynasty and was executed for treason at the age of 67 in 1541 by the command of King Henry VIII.
Her eldest brother Henry, who was one of the peers at the trial of Queen Anne Boleyn, was executed for treason in 1539; two years later her mother followed him to the block, and her titles and honours were forfeited to the Crown.
The following year, 1521, her father-in-law was beheaded for treason and posthumously attainted by an Act of Parliament, with his title and estates being forfeited to the Crown.
Upon her death in 1558, the Duchess bequeathed to Ursula, whom she affectionately described as her "sister Stafford", all her apparel and jewellery, as well as a French hood and a velvet-covered saddle.
[8] At the time of her death, her oldest daughter, Dorothy was one of the most influential ladies at the court of Queen Elizabeth I, serving as Mistress of the Robes.