Anne of Cleves (d. 1557)

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Biography

Anne of Cleves was Queen of England from 6 January to 12 July 1540 as the fourth wife of Henry VIII. Born in Düsseldorf to the House of La Marck, little is known about Anne before 1527, when she became betrothed to Francis, Duke of Bar, son and heir of Antoine, Duke of Lorraine, although their marriage did not proceed.

Timeline

The story of Anne of Cleves, told in moments.

1539 Life

Hans Holbein the Younger painted her portrait for Henry VIII. The king liked what he saw. He'd never met her in person.

Holbein painted your portrait. Did you know what was at stake? Had anyone warned you about Henry?

1540 Event

Married Henry VIII at Greenwich Palace. The king told Thomas Cromwell he found her so unlike her portrait that he couldn't consummate the marriage. "I liked her before not well, but now I like her much worse."

Henry saying he liked you worse in person. Did that hurt? Did you realize the marriage was doomed from the wedding night?

1540 Event

Marriage annulled after just six months. She agreed without protest. Henry gave her Hever Castle, a generous income, and the title "The King's Beloved Sister." Smart move.

Accepting the annulment without protest. Was that strategy or relief? Hever Castle and the King's Beloved Sister. Was that a good deal?

1540 Event

Thomas Cromwell, who'd arranged the match, was beheaded for treason. Anne kept her head. She outlived both Cromwell and Henry.

Cromwell beheaded, but you kept your head. Was that luck or cunning? Did you feel guilty that Cromwell died for arranging your match?

1557 Death

Died at Hever Castle, around age 41. She'd outlived Henry and all his other wives. The only one of his six queens to be buried in Westminster Abbey.

Outliving Henry and all his other wives. Did you enjoy the irony? Buried in Westminster Abbey. Did that final honor surprise you?

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