Anne of Cleve's story taught me that sometimes having a man reject you can be the best stroke of good luck a woman could ask for.

The fact that she was able to stay on Henry's good side alone shows how wise and intelligent she was. She's by far my fav. of all the wives. Considering everything she had going against her as far as England not even being her birth country, i think that's freaking amazing.

Henry rejecting Ann for being unattractive. Oh the hypocrisy 😂😂😂😂

I'm pretty sure Anne's heart wasn't broken by the divorce in fact it was probably a relief.

Because of the popular rhyme, everyone labels Catherine Parr as the survivor. But Anne of Cleves is the ultimate survivor because she died a rich woman, and well-loved and popular among the people.

Her thoughtful generosity at the time of her death showed true nobility in the best sense of the word.

There is a new book by Heather P Darsey about the Anna (she preferred Anna) of Cleves marriage. The author is fluent in English, German and French and did exhaustive research in the French & German libraries with royal and am ambassador records. Based upon her research, Henry did not break off the marriage because of his feelings on Anna’s beauty. He originally made the marriage deal with her brother for further protection against the Papal supporting nations especially France. Her brother married her off but then changed his stance and made a deal with the French for further protections from the Hoky Roman Empire who had their eye on his Ducal state. France was Henry’s worst, most rivaled enemy. He took William’s deal with France as a personal affront especially since he married Anna with no dowry given by William. The political benefit of the marriage was now useless and Henry wasn’t enamored with her and had already had eyes on Katherine Howard. This was a convenient way to exit the marriage without publicly admitting the lower status Duke of Cleves had double crossed him. By insulting the quality of the bride, it was a further insult on William. It was PR choice by Henry to sell it this way but all the accounts in French & German, recorded the double cross by William as the true cause. Based upon Henry’s well known vanity, I don’t see why two enemies to barely friendly nations would record it in such a manner. I also think the Spanish also recorded it this way too. It was likely a blessing in disguise for Anna as she obtained rare financial independence, more freedom than her brother allowed her and the ability to make her own choices and not worry about falling into Henry’s dangerous tendencies to kill his wives. I’m sure after seeing what befell Katherine Howard, she was all the more grateful.

I had to say Anne was the most successful of all Henry’s wives. Even though she divorced him, she remained on amicable terms with him and they had a cordial relationship. She also got on well with her step-children especially Mary and Elizabeth. She even attended her (Mary I)’s coronation in 1554 and even resided at Hever Castle (Anne Boleyn’s old home) where she died in 1557. Plus, she became the wealthiest woman in the country thanks to Henry’s pension so she was the luckiest one

I think her upbringing w a Lutheran father but Catholic mother made her flexible in terms of religion, especially as her mother was reportedly overbearing

Anne of Cleves should be remembered as one of the smartest, shrewdist women in England. Accepting the offer of a divorce with a generous settlement? "Of course, Your Highness. I desire nothing more than your happiness." Telling her brother she was quite happy staying where she was with her independence and wealth, thank you very much. Befriending Henry's two daughters, even though I have no doubt that she was genuinely fond of them. Graciously accepting *not* becoming Henry's wife again. Staying out of Edward's way. Supporting Mary and converting to Catholicism without complaint. Staying out of Mary's way after Wyatt's rebellion, since Mary's elevator probably didn't quite go to the top floor at that point. Probably her smartest decision of all, other than going along with the divorce from Henry without complaint, was never marrying (remarrying? It's up for debate, I guess) since that would have required giving up control of her lands and fortune, not to mention her independence, and becoming submissive to her husband. She was in the best position possible for a woman during the Tudor Era other than, possibly, being the queen regnant. It could be argued that she was in an even better position because she had more freedom and independence than either a queen regnant or a queen consort. Edit: Wrote that before heading the very last part of the video. Completely agree with all of it.

Anne of Cleves was a clever lady at a time when most women of her age would not have been on such an independent streak as Anne had been. I think Anne had both the protection of her family, similar to Catherine of Aragon’s circumstances, and saw it as advantageous to herself as being agreeable to Henry’s design for a divorce. As opposed to the possible knowledge of what happened to the aforementioned Catherine of Aragon, who defied the king, and lost nearly everything by her unwillingness to acquiesce to a divorce. Anne meanwhile ,did quite well for herself, especially because she was a foreign princess in a kingdom with different customs and traditions by agreeing to the King’s wishes for a quick divorce which garnered its financial rewards from the mercurial Henry. It should also be mentioned, that out of all the six wives of Henry VIII, she was the longest living and even outlived old King Hal himself. Not bad, not bad at all. Cheers!🎉

Beautiful video on Anne of Cleves, a remarkable woman who turned out to be the lucky wife of King Henry VIII keeping her head both figuratively and literally! Truly an intelligent, smart, politically savvy and astute woman of her times. Love her portraits by Hans Holbein The Younger, they are such wonderful masterpieces. Excellent work. Thank you 💖

Anne, like Catherine of Aragon, had noble breeding and knew how a queen behaved. None of his other wives really did. I think she would have made a good marriage with Henry. She was young and the chance of more sons was probable. I think she was quite pretty but Henry’s pride had been Iinjured and he would have nothing to do with her. Lucky Anne 🙏🙏🙏👵🇦🇺

I think she was- by far- the luckiest, and didn’t really fare badly at all. I love her icl- after Katherine of Aragon she’s the one I like the most, lass was just so chill😭 “want an annulment? sure” “want me to become a catholic? np bro”- she even danced w Katheryn Howard on New Year’s celebrations 1540, she went along w all and it went great for her I think.

She was definitely the luckiest and wisest. She didn't end up bedding him. Although she was temporarily humilated with henry ridiculously claiming that he couldn't get it up because of her reputation, it ended up proceeding her in the end. She ended up a well-respected, very rich woman and ended up keeping her head. But she's also quite unique because before Katherine Parr anne had deep effection even wanting to still reconcile

Love Anne of Cleves, definitely the luckiest and possibly the smartest of all of the wives! She managed to keep her head and reputation intact in an impossible situation. And I can't help but quote Six the musical: funny how we all discuss that, but never Henry's little...Lol! Just subscribed!

Anne is my favorite out of all of Henry's wives, because she got the best deal in being divorced from him: she became his honorary sister, got along great with his kids, got money, land and houses from the divorce, and got to be incited back to court from time to time for family's Christmas parties and other celebration. And most importantly, she got to keep her head and outlived all the other wives😊

14 hr shift and coming home to 'posted 34 minutes ago' was just... *sighs and sinks onto sofa* Fantastic video, informative, well narrated, just enough of a backing track to have me smiling with familiarity and just fab. Thanks for what you do, there are no words ❤

She would have survived anyway, unless she died in childbirth. Henry never dared to frame and murder his foreign born wives. That special treatment was only for his English wives. All in all Anne of Cleeves was fortunate. She became his beloved ‘sister’ for the rest of her life. And it’s notable that she didn’t return to her own country. If she had she’d have been married off. What a clever young woman.👏👍🏻🤣😅😂

She was a star! Being so asute to handle that level of rejection and stay on a very temperamental Henry. Whose other wives were executed and be so well thought of Henry took care of her as well.

Henry's treatment of Anne after she signed the "divorce" with no argument makes one wonder what would have happened had Catherine done the same.

I think Henry built an image of her in his head and was disappointed when she looked nothing like that fantacy image. Not to mention he himself was not exactly a looker, so it's quite funny that he rejected a woman half his age for being too ugly.

I worked for a gal that looked exactly like the Holbein portrait. That gal too was a steady, sensible, kind boss.

I remember reading that English courtiers who joined Anne when she arrived to England, described her as the prettiest woman of her entourage, and looking quite lively to her portrait. Also they all mentioned that she is petite and curvy. Henry in his typical Henry-the-eighth manner just slandered the reputation of yet another beautiful woman who "did him wrong" and everybody just went along with it.

Anne was a beautiful woman. Rivaled Catherine of Aragon in her youth. No doubt.

Anne of Cleve was the smartest of all his wives

I agree. Anne of Cleves doesn't get much attention as to the other wives of Henry the VIII.

Henry had 4 recognized children. Henry Fitzroy was his firstborn son and 2nd child to survive childhood. He was born of Henry's mistress, Bessie Blount. He was acknowledged by Henry and given a title and household. He was present at the trial and execution of Anne Boleyn. He most likely would have been added to the line of succession if he had not predeceased his father.

I wonder if William was trying to protect his sister? And laid it on a bit thick? Being a fellow protestant, saying No outright would have been impractical. Given Henry's reputation at the time...

I think she was treated well because she, herself, had no grand ambitions. She neither tried to politic, nor pressure Henry in any way. She was easy to get along with, and did not connive or plot for her own advantage. In some sense, this may have made her seem ‘boring’ to Henry who seemed drawn to women who were more willful and challenging. But I think he genuinely liked her. He certainly appreciated her going along with whatever he wished, and so it was easy for him to be generous to her in return.

Jane Seymour was the mother of the only legitimate son of Henry's that survived more than a few weeks or was recognized in the line of succession

She is usually remember as the lucky one and the survivor. It is true that, among all of Henry's wives, she was the last one to die. However, she was not the one who reached the oldest age. Catherine of Aragon was.

I agree that Anne of Cleves would have been a splendid Queen but l also agree that she dodged a bullet by not marrying Henry.

Out of all of his wives, Anne of Cleves is the most complex. I don’t think it’s accurate that she faked her sadness over the divorce. Some people have self control, and others do not.

I think it had to do with a quality often overlooked . Intelligence. She made good choices rather than banking on fate or luck. Smart.

If I’d been Anne, I’d have done a little dance of joy after signing those papers agreeing to be divorced and pensioned off as the king’s sister.

I enjoyed this interesting and clear depiction of English history about Anne of Cleves. Thanks.

Great video! Thank you! Anne was definitely the luckiest!

Very nicely done!!! ❤ I couldn't have said it all, better, myself!

The German in me loves Anne and her level-headedness in this whole situation, but the Detroiter in me would have SOCKED a stranger assaulting me! I’ve heard, however, the courtiers at that time purposely DIDN’T warn her about the English-custom.

There was a series made in the 70's or 80's that I really liked and it potrayed Anne as being repulsed by Henry, so she convinces Henry that, if no one knows if they have consumated their wedding, then he could play the French off the Germans and prevent a war with either of them. I want to believe it was accurate and that Anne was smart enough to play Henry.

Great video, as always! I love your sense of humor on this one too. Thanks for making great content

Negging a woman because she doesn't fancy him. Then the French diplomat describing her as "mid". Some things never change.

New subscriber! Love love your channel!!😊

Anne of Cleves was indeed a lucky woman. I never realised this before your wonderful presentation, but she obviously had a great deal of influence in the life and world view of Elizabeth I, who became one of the best monarchs England ever had.

I feel like based on genetics and genes I think if Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard were never executed got there annulment from Henry the 8th and sent away I think they would have outlived Anne of cleves since based on there family’s mostly died in early or late 60s even sometimes early 70s

Hi, awesome live history video. I enjoyed it. How are you and your cat Mallard doing? I'm doing well. My cat Benjamin is doing well also. We have spring-like weather in Ontario, Canada. How is the weather where you are? In the next video in the future, could you do a video on Jane Dormer she was a lady in waiting to queen Mary the first in the tudor times in the 16th century. Have a great day. See you next video 😊 my cat Benjamin, and I always enjoy your history videos every weekend

Ive always thought that H was turned off due to her not falling into his arms when he appeared to her 8n disguise. If she had, she most likely would have been branded a harlot and lost her head.

Excellent narrative and steady presentation made for a very interesting and informative history. I will keep this podcast in mind for future reference. Many thanks!

Great job on the video.

Anna Von Kleve not only outlived all his other wives AND Henry himself!!!

Henry VIII was a monster.

Psychopath Henry VIIIth judicially murdered his second and fifth wives. His first and fourth wives were members of foreign noble families, and Henry would not have dared murder either of them. The post-partum demise of Jane and Henry's own demise saved wives number three and six.

My favorite wife. She won the wives lottery. Thank you for giving a long video on her. So many videos on her are 5 minutes. It seems shes brushed over in history because she didn't die bloody

That is why Anne and Anne are my fav queens of henry8

Enchanting herstory told in a delightful middle class voice and accent 😊

Fascinating, as always, thank you. I must say, of all the people I know of who were connected to the Tudors, Anne was one of the few that made out like a bandit. Is it reasonable to say that her lack of formal education may have been beneficial for her in this situation? Your essays show that people, especially women, with personal opinions and desires did not fare well in the Tudor court, and, if they do, it's usually not for long. I think her social intelligence was exceptional, even if she didn't speak 5 languages or have connections with the thinkers of the day. Small mercies eh! 😏

Amazing video!! Could you ever do a video on Juana Ines De La Cruz in face near future ? Keep up the good work !

A very clever princess for her time, she kept her life save and was styled " the King's sister. " Her kindness and humanity towards all that served her are indeed a mark of her high nobility. Anne was the only one of his Queen's to have got a very good deal out of it all, everything considered.

Henry rolling in his grave after that description of him lmaooo

I actually find it interesting that Anne and Mary were able to be friends given how devoutly Catholic Mary was

Very good. Thank you.

When a door closes, a window opens. Very true in Anne’s case. Good for her. Oh, and that shuttle takeoff when you were talking about Henry’s “night time” activities. 😂😂. Anne was so smart.

Nice video as always & it sounds like she had a very kind, considerate brother, trying to prevent her marriage to Henry. What a chad. Out of curiosity, what’s your opinion of Edward VIII & Wallis Simpson?

11:14 amazing😭😭

A stud at his age at this time Henry was Not, and Henry must have thought, How dare she act like that around me! LOL

I saw a recreation of what Anne might have looked like based on her portraits and she was actually quite pretty.

🥰 Anne life is such an interesting read!

People actually say she was the most beautiful of his wives and I agree. She looked very pretty but Henry was just a a hole. Plus she didn't have that bland plain look like a lot of British women do.

For the question, if you had to choose a period of English History pre XX century, which would it be? Ngl I’m not sure myself, but given that I excluded modern medicine anyways, I’d likely live in Edgar the Peaceable’s reign, so mid to late X century. Ofc, I’d do my best to stick around and see first hand Edward the Martyr’s death👀👀

Oooh I would say she was very lucky indeed. She dodged the bullet that was being Henry VIII's wife.

The only time in his later years a woman reacted honestly to his advances.

I like how the video starts: depending on your opinion of Henry VIII... is there anyone who likes Henry? I can find people who like Hitler or Stalin, but I've yet to see anyone who likes Henry. I'm not saying no one does. I'll probably get some replies from people who do, but this is my observation: he's one of the most disliked historical figures I've ever seen. Most people like his wives, they may even have a favourite wife of his, but 0 love for Henry himself. And sure, the dislike isn't excessive or intense as with more recent figures, but it's there.

Anne of Cleves was a very pretty woman. King Henry VIII was a fool!!!!😊

Ann was smart and lucky.

Thank you, I had never heard any of this before, and had believed the propaganda about her. Glad to no longer be ignorant.

the smartest and the luckiest wife of the tyranical crazed Henry VIII !!

She was a very smart woman who made sure she kept her head on straight....if I was her I too would have taken the $$ and mansions and RUN!! from the King..😊

Anne of clever !!!! She managed to be the only one with a happy ending Elizabeth I probably looked after her by staying single

Anne was truly the BOSS ❤

Classic DARVO - Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender - from Henry. No surprise there.

I have always wondered about Thomas Cromwell being executed because of his procurement of this marriage. You mentioned that Henry had wanted to get rid of him for other reasons. This makes more sense. Maybe you can suggest a source where I could locate those reasons.

Smart lady

More documentaries about the Tudors should point out that Henry repulsed Anne.

I say Anne was extremely smart and savvy

Well done! A holistic perspective of Anne of Cleves, an admirable person who had to deal with psycho Henry.

IMO, Henry wasn't ready for a new wife - let alone one that may have been a challenge. Anne was from a different culture and wasn't what he was used to (modest). He really should have waited. Anne of Cleves was extremely lucky and came out ahead of what she may have if she returned home.

She was a lovely and smart lady.

She was smart to get away.

My favorite wife of the king.

Blessed or cursed❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

By, you know, the most awesome king ever😂

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

Can you blame her she probably heard some gossip or something about Anne boleyn

So she was rather "Anne of Düsseldorf" 😅😂🤣😄

#TeamAnnes 👑👑👑❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

The marriage was annulled.

Henry was a beast and behaved badly to almost everyone. One of the worst English kings.

She was smart

Bullet dodged.