Queen, lover, mother, foundling, victim and survivor – that’s how historian and series narrator David Stuckey arranged for England’s most famous monarch, Henry VIII, to live his life from 1509 to 1547. Henry VIII Eight’s Six Wives series takes a fresh approach, showing each woman’s story from her perspective.
Through the women’s own words and powerful dramatization, we learn that these wives were not poor victims or pawns, but brilliant players and extraordinary personalities in a high-stakes game, even in the face of exile and death. Great dignity.
Catherine of Aragon. The daughter of Kings Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain, Catherine was 16 when she married Henry’s brother Arthur in 1501. Shortly thereafter, Arthur died, leaving Catherine in trouble. Just seven years later, she could marry Heinrich, who became king.
Anne Boleyn. Anne, who was raised by aristocratic parents and educated at the court of Grand Duchess Margaret of the Netherlands, had long aspired to a prominent role at the English court. Elegant and sensual, Anne became Queen Catherine’s maid-in-waiting and soon caught the king’s attention.
Jane Seymour. Waiting on Anne’s death flank was Jane Seymour, a submissive woman of noble birth who seemed the perfect Tudor wife. She was also a devout Catholic, and the king’s advisers hoped that her religion would bring Henry back to his old religion.
Anna of Cleves. Henry’s advisor, Thomas Cromwell, considered the West German princess Anne of Cleves to be an excellent candidate because of her religious background and prominent family.
Catherine Howard. Catherine, the promiscuous niece of the Duke of Norfolk and cousin of Anne Boleyn, caught the King’s attention when she served as Queen Anne’s maid of honor.
Catherine Parr. The widow Catherine Parr fell in love with Sir Thomas Seymour, brother of the late Queen Jane, when Henry was in love with her. Seeking to root out the rivalry, the king assigns Seymour to Brussels on a diplomatic post and proposes to Catherine.
