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Portrait of Anne of Cleves, by Hans Holbein, 1539
Anne of Cleves
It didn't take long before Henry VIII took on another wife.
Having considered the matter, the council suggested Anne, the 25-year-old sister of the Duke of Cleves, who was seen as an important ally in case of a Roman Catholic attack on England, for the duke fell between Lutheranism and Catholicism.
After seeing Holbein's portrait, and urged on by the complimentary description of Anne given by his courtiers, the 49-year-old king agreed to wed Anne. The marriage took place in January 1540.
However, it was not long before Henry wished to annul the marriage so he could marry another. Anne did not argue, and confirmed that the marriage had never been consummated. Anne's previous betrothal to the Duke of Lorraine's son Francis provided further grounds for the annulment. The marriage was subsequently dissolved in July 1540, and Anne received the title of "The King's Sister", two houses, and a generous allowance.
Catherine Howard
It was soon clear that Henry had fallen for the 17-year-old Catherine Howard, the Duke of Norfolk's niece. This worried Cromwell, for Norfolk was his political opponent.
Catherine was the first cousin of Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII’s scandalous second wife – her father was the brother of Anne’s mother. She was also second cousin to his third wife, Jane Seymour.
By June 1540, Henry's interest in Catherine was known throughout the court. One observer noted that the King 'crept too near another lady', and Anne of Cleves herself complained that her new husband was attracted to Catherine.
Henry married Catherine at Oatlands Palace in Surrey on 28 July 1540, the same day that his once all-powerful minister, Thomas Cromwell, was executed.
On 8 August, Catherine was formally acknowledged as Queen at Hampton Court Palace. Henry VIII was more than 30 years her senior.
Catherine began to receive requests for favours from Thomas Culpepper, a Gentleman of the King's Privy Chamber. Shortly before Henry’s 50th birthday on June 28, 1541, Catherine and Culpeper began an adulterous affair. Described as a ‘beautiful youth’, he was a sexual predator and there is evidence that he had previously been accused of rape and murder.
Henry’s first reaction to the accusations was disbelief. He ordered an immediate inquiry, which soon proved the truth of the allegations – and uncovered more. The queen herself admitted to the affair and previous relations. Confronted with the truth about Catherine's past, Henry was plunged into a deep depression from which he never fully recovered. He had adored his young wife and had had no notion of her infidelity.
On 10 February 1542, Catherine was taken by barge to the Tower of London. As she passed under London Bridge, she would have likely seen the rotting head of Thomas Culpeper.
Three days later, at 9am on February 13, 1542, Catherine Howard faced her execution at the Tower. She gathered enough strength to confess that her sentence was justified. Moments later, the axe fell. Catherine may have been as young as 18 at the time of her death.
Katherine Parr
Katherine Parr and Henry VIII met when she secured a position in Princess Mary's household in late 1542.
Katherine was, "vivacious, attractive and a scholar". She was also 30 years old, a contrast to Catherine Howard, and a more sensible choice for an ailing King in need of a nurse as much as a wife.
By 1543, Katherine had already been married (and widowed) twice but was in love with Thomas Seymour. She gave him up to marry the King.
Katherine married Henry on July 12, 1543, at Hampton Court Palace.
A keen patron of the arts, Katherine was the first English queen to write and publish her own books.
Katherine was loyal and devoted to Henry for the five years they were married, up until his death. King Henry VIII died on January 28, 1547; at 55 years old.
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