Anne of Cleves Biography
(Former Queen Consort of England (January 1540 - July 1540))
Birthday: September 22, 1515 (Virgo)
Born In: Düsseldorf, Germany
Anne of Cleves was the fourth wife of English King, Henry VIII, and consequently was the Queen of England from 6 January to 9 July 1540. She was born into a German aristocratic family, which though opposed to Papal authority but was not Protestant. Her father, John III, was the Duke of Julich, Cleves, Berg. Anne of Cleves, unlike Henry VIII’s previous wives, didn’t possess the acumen or charm of clever women. She was instead a young lady from Rhineland whose knowledge of English was limited. Her marriage was arranged keeping a political alliance in mind. Her brother, the Duke of Cleves, was a leader of Protestants in Western Germany. King Henry VIII’s minister, Thomas Cromwell, decided this alliance was necessary because of the powerful attack by Roman Catholic groups. Her marriage to King Henry VIII was solemnized on 6 January 1540. However, Henry wasn’t satisfied with Anne as he deemed her unattractive and naïve. When the political motive behind the marriage didn’t materialize, the marriage was annulled in July 1540. Referring to her as the King’s Beloved Sister, she was given a large income and stayed in England until her death.