Anne of Cleves: The Fourth Wife of King Henry VIII

Anne of Cleves was the fourth wife of King Henry VIII of England. She was born in 1515 in Germany and was the daughter of the Duke of Cleves. Her marriage to Henry VIII was arranged by the English foreign minister, Thomas Cromwell, who sought a political alliance with Germany.

After their first meeting, Henry VIII was not interested in Anne of Cleves and asked Cromwell to cancel their marriage. However, Cromwell was unsuccessful and they were married in January 1540. Henry VIII was very disappointed with Anne of Cleves' appearance and found her unattractive. They did not enjoy a happy marriage and Henry VIII filed for divorce in July 1540.

Although Anne of Cleves accepted the divorce, she was given the title 'sister of the King' and was granted property and an annual income. She remained in England and was treated with respect as the former wife of the King. Anne of Cleves lived to the age of 41 and died in 1557. Despite their unsuccessful marriage, Anne of Cleves is still remembered in history as one of Henry VIII's wives.