Who was Anne of Cleves? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

British Celebrities Born In September, German Celebrities Born In September

Also Known As: Anna von Kleve

Died At Age: 41

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Henry VIII of England (m. 1540–1540)

father: John III, Duke of Cleves

mother: Maria of Jülich-Berg

Born Country: Germany

Empresses & Queens British Women

Died on: July 16, 1557

place of death: Chelsea Manor, Kingdom of England England

Cause of Death: Cancer

City: Düsseldorf, Germany

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What was Anne of Cleves nickname?

Anne of Cleves was often referred to as the "Flanders Mare" by her critics.
2

What was Anne of Cleves' reaction to meeting Henry VIII for the first time?

Anne of Cleves reportedly found Henry VIII to be much older and less attractive than she had been led to believe.
3

How long was Anne of Cleves married to Henry VIII?

Anne of Cleves was married to Henry VIII for just six months before their marriage was annulled.
4

What title was Anne of Cleves given after her marriage to Henry VIII was annulled?

After her marriage to Henry VIII was annulled, Anne of Cleves was given the title of the "King's Beloved Sister."
5

Where did Anne of Cleves live after her marriage to Henry VIII was annulled?

After her marriage was annulled, Anne of Cleves lived in various properties in England, including Hever Castle and Richmond Palace.

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Childhood & Early Life

Anne of Cleves was born on September 22, 1515, to John III and Maria in Dusseldorf. She was the second child, and her father was the Duke of Juilch, Cleves and Count of Mark. Her mother was the Duchess of Julich-Berg. She spent her initial years growing up in Schloss Burg, near Solingen.

Her father was deeply influenced by Erasmus, an influential European scholar. He followed his teachings and backed the Reformation. Her mother was a devout Catholic. After her father’s death, her brother, William, would assume the title of Duke of Julich-Cleves-Berg. The religious affiliations of the family proved pivotal for Anne later.

Anne’s older sister, Sibylle, was married off to John Frederick who was given the title of Elector in Saxony. He was the head of the Protestant Confederation in Germany and was often called the ‘Champion of the Reformation’.

Anne’s position in the family was mostly that of a strategic puppet. She was betrothed to Francis, the son of Duke of Lorraine, when she just 11 years old, in 1527. However, because the young heir was only 10 years old, the betrothal wasn’t considered official and was subsequently cancelled in 1535.

The family’s religious ties and stronghold over Western Germany attracted Thomas Cromwell’s interest. Cromwell was the chief minister for King Henry VIII. Cromwell proposed a match with Anne and Henry to help the English King gain political power against the Roman Catholic dominance.

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Marriage to King Henry VIII

At a time of great political foment in Europe, with the rise of Protestantism in the mainland, and the Reformation under way in England, Anne's father's religious disposition only served to make his daughter a favorable match to Henry VIII.

One of the key personages in ensuring the match was the painter, Hans Holbein the Younger, who was asked to paint the portraits of Anne. These portraits were for Henry to gauge how his fourth wife would look. Despite early reluctance, Henry agreed to wed Anne.

The negotiations with the Cleve family were personally overseen by Cromwell and he ensured the swift signing of the treaty.

Henry’s expectation of his Queen was that she was knowledgeable and cultured. Anne, however, lacked these as she barely knew English owing to the lack of formal education. Her other virtues, including her docility and kindness, were touted as values Henry should prize in her.

He finally met her in private in at Rochester Abbey while she was on her way to Dover. Sources cite that he was dejected and dissatisfied with Anne. He also believed that she was not accurately described.

Henry asked Cromwell to find a legal way to avoid marrying Anne. However, it was too late to do so as promises had already been exchanged.

King Henry VIII and Anne of Cleveswere married at the Royal Palace of Placentia, London by Archbishop Thomas Cranmer on January 6, 1540. Her wedding ring had the phrase ‘God send me well to keep’ engraved. The marriage wasn’t a success as Henry confided he didn’t like her appearance.

It is recorded that her vapid appearance put Henry off the marriage. It was said that he did not consummate the marriage as he felt misled. His minister, too, was blamed. Her plain appearance would cause much strain.

Annulment of Marriage

Anne was asked to leave the King’s court on June 24, 1540, barely six months after the marriage. She was later informed on July 6 that the King had officially decided to reconsider their marriage. When she was asked to give her consent for the annulment, Anne agreed.

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On July 9, 1540, the marriage was officially annulled on grounds on lack of consummation and her previous betrothal to Duke of Lorraine. Henry went on to marry his next wife Catherine Howard within a month of the annulment.

Anne received a generous compensation for her consent. This included the Richmond Palace and Hever Castle along with a tidy income. She remained on friendly terms with the King and even became an honorary member of the King’s family.

Anne was bestowed the title ‘King’s Beloved Sister’ as well. Henry would later assert her importance, stating that she was the most important woman in England after his wife and daughters.

After the death of Henry’s fifth wife, Catherine, Anne’s brother asked the King to remarry Anne. However, Henry was opposed to the idea and Anne was relegated to her position.

She went on to live a quiet and obscure life. Her last public appearance was at Mary I’s coronation at Westminster Abbey. She would remain in England until her death.

Personal Life & Legacy

Anne’s health deteriorated considerably in 1557. She soon crafted a will and left behind some money to her maids. She was fondly remembered as a generous mistress. She died on July 16, 1557, at her manor. The cause of death was cancer. She was buried in Westminster Abbey.

Many scholars were impressed with Anne’s political understanding and acumen. Several biographies of her have been written, including ‘Anne of Cleves’ (1972) by Julia Hamilton and ‘Anne of Cleves: Henry VIII’s Discarded Bride’ (2009) by Elizabeth Norton.

While her contemporaries, saw her as an unworthy Queen of England, historians have been more circumspect. Her practicality and pragmatism in accepting the settlement have come in for much praise.

She was also chronicled by Ford Maddox Ford in his 1906 novel 'The Fifth Queen'. She was shown to be a sensible and generous woman. Her political acumen was also on display, when she decided to change her religion, for the second time in her life, when Mary I ascended to the English throne.

Facts About Anne of Cleves

Anne of Cleves was known for her love of music and dancing, and she often entertained guests with her musical talents.

Anne was an avid horse rider and enjoyed spending time outdoors, particularly hunting and riding in the countryside.

Despite her short-lived marriage to King Henry VIII, Anne of Cleves maintained a good relationship with him and was granted a generous settlement after their divorce.

Anne was known for her intelligence and wit, and she was able to adapt quickly to English customs and culture after arriving in England.

Anne of Cleves was a skilled needleworker and enjoyed creating intricate embroidery and tapestries in her spare time.

Anne of Cleves Biography

You wanted to know

What was Anne of Cleves nickname?

What was Anne of Cleves' reaction to meeting Henry VIII for the first time?

How long was Anne of Cleves married to Henry VIII?

What title was Anne of Cleves given after her marriage to Henry VIII was annulled?

Where did Anne of Cleves live after her marriage to Henry VIII was annulled?