The ‘Ugly’ Wife: The Portrait That Tricked King Henry VIII

Summary

Anne of Cleves, Henry VIII’s fourth wife, is often labeled as the 'ugly' one, but her story is one of resilience and fortune. Misled by a flattering portrait, Henry married Anne, only to find her disappointing in person, leading to a quick annulment. However, Anne emerged from the ordeal financially secure and well-liked, maintaining friendly relations with Henry and his court. Despite her short marriage, she thrived in England, becoming one of the most successful of Henry’s wives, outliving him and enjoying a comfortable life. Her story highlights how luck, grace, and intelligence can lead to unexpected triumphs.

Takeaways

• 😀 Anne of Cleves was initially portrayed in an extremely flattering portrait by Hans Hine the Younger, which influenced Henry VIII's decision to marry her.
• 😀 Henry VIII was extremely disappointed when he met Anne in person, as she didn't match the expectations set by her portrait.
• 😀 Despite Henry's claims of Anne being unattractive, she was well-liked for her intelligence, kindness, and diplomatic skills.
• 😀 Anne's marriage to Henry VIII was annulled after just six months, making it the shortest of his six marriages.
• 😀 Anne handled the annulment with grace, and her calm acceptance of the situation was notable given the risks involved.
• 😀 Anne walked away from the marriage with a large fortune and became one of the wealthiest women in England.
• 😀 Despite Henry’s initial rejection, Anne remained on good terms with him and his daughters, maintaining influence at court.
• 😀 The portrait of Anne likely emphasized her best features, but it was probably not intentionally misleading, reflecting the skill of the artist rather than deception.
• 😀 Henry VIII's personality and declining health likely contributed to the failure of his marriage to Anne, as he struggled with various physical ailments and unrealistic expectations.
• 😀 Anne of Cleves outlived Henry VIII and his five other wives, thriving in her post-royal life and enjoying a prosperous and independent existence.
• 😀 The script also highlights Henry's other marriages, with a focus on how Anne’s post-marriage life contrasted with the fates of his other wives, who faced tragedy or hardship.

Q & A

Why did King Henry choose to marry Anne of Cleves?

King Henry chose to marry Anne of Cleves after being convinced by a portrait painted by Hans Hine the Younger. The portrait portrayed Anne as beautiful, leading Henry to believe she would be an ideal match, despite some reservations about her looks from others.

What was Henry's reaction when he met Anne in person?

Upon meeting Anne in person, Henry was immediately disappointed. He found her appearance less attractive than he had expected based on the portrait, and even called her a 'Flanders' mare,' comparing her unfavorably to a horse.

How did Anne of Cleves react to her marriage to Henry?

Anne of Cleves accepted her marriage to Henry with grace. Despite his cruel remarks about her, she spoke kindly of him in private and remained composed throughout the difficult situation, even after the marriage was annulled.

What was the cause of Henry's dissatisfaction with Anne's appearance?

Henry's dissatisfaction with Anne's appearance seems to stem from the contrast between his expectations based on the portrait and the reality of their meeting. He felt that Anne was not the delicate, demure woman he had envisioned.

Why was the marriage between Henry and Anne of Cleves annulled?

The marriage between Henry and Anne of Cleves was annulled because Henry claimed that the marriage was never consummated and that Anne was not as attractive as he had hoped. He also cited her prior informal betrothal to another man, which had been broken off before their marriage.

How did Anne handle her annulment with Henry?

Anne handled the annulment with remarkable poise and dignity. Despite the humiliation of being rejected by Henry, she was able to remain calm, and she was even granted a large financial allowance and several estates after the annulment.

What role did Hans Hine play in Henry's decision to marry Anne?

Hans Hine, a skilled portrait painter, played a crucial role in Henry's decision to marry Anne. He painted a portrait of Anne that impressed Henry and led him to believe that she was a perfect match, even though there were mixed opinions about her appearance.

What was Henry's relationship with Anne after their marriage was annulled?

After their marriage was annulled, Henry maintained a relatively friendly relationship with Anne. She was referred to as the 'king's beloved sister,' and Henry occasionally sought her advice on important matters, though their relationship remained cordial rather than romantic.

How did Anne of Cleves' financial situation change after the annulment?

After the annulment, Anne was left very wealthy. She was given a generous annual allowance and several estates, making her one of the richest women in England. This financial security allowed her to live comfortably and independently.

How did Anne of Cleves view Catherine Howard, Henry's next wife?

Anne of Cleves was not shy about expressing her opinion of Catherine Howard, Henry's next wife. She reportedly remarked that Catherine was taking on a great burden, implying that she knew the challenges and dangers of being married to Henry, who had become increasingly angry and paranoid.