King Philip II of Spain, married to Queen Mary I of England, embarked on a military departure from Dover on July 6, 1557. This venture was part of his broader strategy to strengthen Catholic dominance in Europe, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflicts between England, Spain, and France. At the time, England and France were engaged in a series of hostilities known as the Italian Wars, combined with territorial disputes, the most pressing being over Calais, the last English possession on the continent. Philip, motivated by both his duty as a monarch and his desire to live up to expectations as Mary's consort, hoped that this military campaign could lead to a decisive victory against the French forces.The campaign that followed involved confrontations around Calais, but it was marked by poor coordination and the lack of effective leadership from both the English and allied Spanish forces. Ultimately, their efforts failed to reclaim or preserve Calais, resulting in its capture by the French in January 1558, a pivotal moment that marked the end of English territorial claims in France. The city had held significant historical value for England, being the last remnant of English rule since the Hundred Years' War. Queen Mary I, who had been anxiously waiting for her husband’s return, never saw King Philip again after his departure, a reflection of both personal and political tragedy in her life.