Thousands of people in Europe died from the Sweating Sickness in just a matter of days. Riots emerged from the city of London, seeing that there was no government. At the palace of Wales, Elizabeth paced in what was now her chambers. Lady Eleanor was putting Elizabeth's clothes away and turned to her friend. Eleanor said to her friend, using her nickname for the princess, "Eliza-Kate, you mustn't worry. With prayer and in due time, this disease shall pass." Elizabeth replied, as she stopped pacing, "Ellie, you don't understand. Do you have any idea what rooms we are in?" Eleanor looked around and said, "Your bedchambers, of course." Elizabeth replied, "Not just that but these are the rooms where my uncle, Prince Arthur, died with the Sweat while my mother struggled with the sickness and survived."
There was a lump in Eleanor's throat after Elizabeth revealed the history of the bedchambers. A knock on the door sounded and Elizabeth said, "Enter!" Thomas entered the room and gave the princess a small smile. Thomas bowed to his goddaughter and said, "A servant, where your father was staying, has caught the sickness. His Majesty has left the court and rode off to another one of his palaces." Elizabeth let out a shaky breath. Her fears were coming true but she knew that this was only the beginning of it. Soon after the news of her father's departure, Elizabeth soon fell ill with the Sweating Sickness. With Henry, the news of his eldest twin daughter's illness had reached him. A letter was dispatched from Wales and sent to Henry. Henry held the letter in his hands as fear showed on his face. The letter read:
Your Most Gracious Majesty,
I bring grave news concerning of your eldest twin daughter, Princess Elizabeth. Just a couple days ago, Elizabeth was in the gardens and suddenly collapsed. The physician examined her and came to the conclusion that she has caught the Sweating Sickness. We are doing all we can to keep her comfortable and well. My wife, Alice, attends to her along with my children and Elizabeth's ladies. We assure you that the Princess is well cared for and you have no need to worry.
Your most humble servant and dear friend,
Sir Thomas Moore.
The news of Princess Elizabeth catching the Sweating Sickness spread throughout Europe and reached Rome. Pope Clement was in the middle of prayer when Cardinal Campeggio approached him. The Pope turned to the Cardinal and said to him, "Ah, Cardinal Campeggio. How do things fair in England?" Campeggio replied, bowing to him, "The disease still spreads, Holy Father. Unfortunately, the Princess Elizabeth of Wales has caught it as well." The Pope began to say a prayer, as did Campeggio, and said, "The poor child. She was always so sickly as a child, was she not?" Campeggio replied, "Yes, Holy Father. I am told that the princess grows weaker by the day. I am also told that the Prince James of France is concerned with Princess' health and asks you to pray for her recovery." The Pope nodded and said, "Since the Prince of France and the Princess of England are both loyal children of God, they shall receive what they require."