while his father was alive he was watched closely, because the king feared for the safety of his only remaining male heir. henry could go out only through a private door, and then he was watched by specially appointed people. no one could speak to henry. he spent most of his time in his room, which could only be entered through his father’s bedroom. henry never spoke in public, unless it was to answer a question from his father. he kept his enthusiastic personality under control on public occasions because he feared his father's temper. he was given little training for his future role as king by his father and relied heavily on his counselors in the early years of his reign. in 1509, henry vii died of tuberculosis as well and his son became king henry viii. he was 17 years old.