The Exes and In-Laws of Henry VIII

As Henry made his way through years of various foreign alliances
and diplomatic efforts, it was his marital merry-go-round that
really shaped his reign. Various family members and wives filled
the court and sounded the opposition.

In addition to a succession of wives through his reign, Henry
VIII also had a wide variety of in-laws. From Kings and Queens to
rising courtiers, Henry's in-laws provided him with eager
supporters and unwelcome resisters, depending on his relationship
with a particular wife.

According to the rhyme, just one of Henry's wives survived the
big guy: Katherine Parr. But actually there was another: Anne of
Cleves. She turned out to be the most successful of all his
ex-wives, turning her post-marriage life into a time of wealth
and extravagance.


History shows us what's possible.