Henry’s six marriages were a central feature of his reign and have contributed significantly to his notoriety. His marriages were:

1. Catherine of Aragon (1509–1533) – Henry’s first wife, whom he married in 1509. After over two decades of marriage, Henry sought an annulment, which eventually led to the English Reformation. Catherine was the daughter of King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella I of Castile, and her marriage to Henry was politically significant. Despite their divorce, Henry remained respectful of her until her death.
    

2. Anne Boleyn (1533–1536) – After his marriage to Catherine was annulled, Henry married Anne Boleyn in 1533. Anne was instrumental in Henry’s break with the Catholic Church. She gave birth to Elizabeth, who would later become one of England’s greatest monarchs. However, Anne failed to produce a male heir, and she was executed in 1536 on charges of adultery, incest, and treason, though many historians believe the charges were politically motivated.
    

3. Jane Seymour (1536–1537) – Jane Seymour was the third wife of Henry, and she finally provided him with the male heir he desired, Edward VI, who would eventually succeed him. Unfortunately, Jane died just days after giving birth, which deeply affected Henry.
    

4. Anne of Cleves (1540) – Henry’s fourth marriage to Anne of Cleves was a brief and politically motivated union. Henry had been persuaded to marry Anne based on her portrait, but upon meeting her in person, he found her unattractive. The marriage was annulled after just six months, and Anne and Henry remained on good terms thereafter.
    

5. Catherine Howard (1540–1542) – Catherine Howard, Henry’s fifth wife, was much younger than him. Their marriage ended when Catherine was accused of adultery, and she was executed in 1542, echoing the fate of Anne Boleyn.
    

6. Catherine Parr (1543–1547) – Henry’s sixth and final wife, Catherine Parr, outlived him. She was a widow twice before marrying Henry and was instrumental in reconciling Henry with his daughters from his previous marriages, Mary and Elizabeth. After Henry’s death, Catherine remarried and lived a relatively peaceful life. shutdown123