(to read “King Henry of England and the Six Wives ~ Part 1”)
Let’s continue…Jane Seymour ~
Given the fact that he still had no male heir – he was bound to marry again, for the third time. On May 30th, 1536, Henry wedded Jane Seymour.
Lady Jane was Anne’s lady-in-waiting, therefore for Henry, Jane was not a new face in the palace – as she had been serving the previous Queen for several years.
With Jane Seymour as the Queen, the atmosphere in the court became calmer and more peaceful. Jane also brought in a new energy of gentleness into the royal household.
Unlike Anne, Jane was not highly educated, she also had no political talents and interest.
Thus, Mary (daughter of Henry and Catherine of Aragon) was able to make peace with her father – some plus credit to Queen Jane. They built a sisterhood relationship better than a step-mother and a step-daughter.
After some months, Jane was pregnant – and on October 12th, 1537, she delivered a healthy baby boy. The child was named Edward and was christened a few days later with grand splendour.
But, fate for Jane told a different story – not really a happy ending ones…
Some days after Prince Edward’s Christening, it became clear that she was seriously ill. In Hampton Court Palace, on October 24th, 1537 she exhaled her last breath.
Queen Jane Seymour was the only Queen of King Henry VIII who had a proper royal funeral ceremony – and buried on November 12th, 1537 in St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.
It took the King some time before he decided to remarry. Isolated in Europe, Henry cast about for an ally – a search for the next Queen of England as to make an alliance with Protestant’s states.
A search for a further wife – then as a result he married Anne of Cleves (Anne von Kleve), whose portrait by Holbein had been so flattering. Yet, this marriage lacked immediate chemistry – to add that Anne and Henry were also separated by language, culture and personality. They were never met before their betrothal.
This marriage was never consummated and again he turned to Cromwell, the minister who had arranged the match, to secure a divorce.
After six months, on June 24th, 1540, Anne was officially dismissed from the Court. A very thoughtful settlement was made for Anne’s compliance with the King’s wishes. She obtained Richmond Palace and Hever Castle (the home to the Boleyn family – that came to the King’s possession after Thomas Boleyn passed away).
Hence, the King called her as “The King Beloved Sister”
Furthermore and again, the King has an eye for one of the Queen’s lady-in-waiting, Katherine Howard…
(to be continue in King Henry of England and the Six Wives ~ Part 3)
