The unloved wife of Henry VIII

How and by whom to replace an indispensable person? This was a difficult question for Henry VIII after the death of his beloved Jane Seymour in 1537. She is a woman who gave him a boy, a son, whom he had been waiting for. He did not hide his feelings for her. Many years later, he will be buried next to her, and not with his other wives. Despite their very good relationship, he did not fall into a state of depression, life continued.

After two long lonely years of rule, the ruler of England finds another bride. Some historians consider these two years proof of their love for Jane Seymour. But in reality, everything was different. He is a month after his death, Jane starts looking for a new wife. Unfortunately, throughout Europe, Henry had a bad reputation. The famous beauty of those times, the beautiful Christina Milan, when she heard about the interest of the king, replied that she might have risked if she had two heads.

In the end, Henry finds the bride thanks to the efforts of Hans Holbein, the most famous of Tudor court painters. Hans was sent to the Duke of Cleves in 1539 and brought portraits of his two sisters: Amelia and Anna. Henry carefully studies the portraits of Holbein and decides to conclude a marriage contract with Anna.

Henry regards this marriage as a strategic means to strengthen its power in Europe. At this time, Henry did not enjoy the favor of the Pope. In kinship with the Duke of Cleves he sees an important potential counterargument against France and the Holy Roman Empire. Consequently, the marriage with Anna corresponds to the political goals of Henry.

After the Duke signs a marriage contract, Anna must go to England. She has never met Henry VIII. He goes to her at the Greenwich Palace. But when it comes to meeting them, the event does not go as planned. When Henry first enters the room, Anna looks out the window. She does not recognize him, so she pays little attention to him and continues to look out the window. Henry's behavior was very offensive. After this catastrophic meeting, he announces to the audience that he does not like him.

This is only the first of many problems that have arisen between them. Anna feels uncomfortable in England, especially because she does not speak English well. Her upbringing in Klews focused on local traditions, and not on music and literature, so popular at Henry's court. In addition, Henry does not find his wife attractive.

Further barriers arise when unfavorable moments arise in a political climate. The Duke of Cleves and the Holy Roman Empire begin the war, and Heinrich fears that he will be dragged into an expensive military campaign. Finally, Henry has a favorite, flirtatious and sultry Catherine Howard, who knows much better how to please the king. But Henry does not dare to break off marital relations.

Cromwell and the king found a potential exit. It turns out that in the mid-1530s Anna was engaged to Francis, the son of the Duke of Lorraine. Anna is still officially engaged to Francis. This means that Henry's marriage with Anna from Kleves is legally invalid from the outset.
This is one of the most ironic moments in Henry's career. This time, his desire to break the marriage is legal and acceptable to all, and yet he feels incapable of doing so, as he is afraid of spoiling the relationship with the Duke of Cleves.

It is clear that Henry wants to annul the marriage, but he is worried about Anna's behavior, which can prevent him from marrying Catherine Howard. In the end, Henry as the main argument uses the fact that she was engaged.

There is a long-standing myth that Hans Holbein deliberately deceived Henry, telling him about the beauty of Anna. Given the penchant for Henry to behead all who insult him, Holbein expected a sad fate. But he died in London in 1543.

Contrary to Henry's reputation, after the marriage was dissolved, Anna and Henry remain on good terms with each other. She often visits his yard, she is invited to the celebrations. In addition, it is provided with property, including Heber Castle, the former home of Anne Boleyn. In addition, her new lands guarantee her income of 4,000 pounds a year, making her one of the richest women in England. Anna continues to live peacefully in the countryside until 1557 and even goes to the wedding of King Henry and Catherine Parr.