Anne sounded like a really kind person. She left money to her servants after her death. I can’t imagine that was the usual way. There always seems to be some really kind people in history that shine a bit brighter.

I had no idea Anne thought Henry would come back to her. I learned something new today. I would have been happy to have been off the hook with honors if I was her. She’s a brave chick.

Anne was smart. I do respect her. We don’t know how astute or aware she was. But She knew to defy Henry she would likely die. I think her sexual naivety saved her, and having no emotional attachment to Henry saved her life. She didn’t plead for Henry to love her. She was smart enough to concede to the divorce and Henry rewarded her for it. She sounded like a very kind lady.

Personally I think Anne of Cleves was the luckiest of Henry’s 6 wives! She kept her head & she got a nice settlement. Thomas Cromwell wasn’t so lucky! Thank you Claire! I enjoy the videos so much!

I always wonder how much Anne of Cleves knew about the ending of Henry VIII's first marriage to Katherine of Aragon. I tend to think that she must have been well informed about it. If you compare the behavior of Katherine and Anne from the time that they each learned that Henry no longer wished to be married to them, you can see that Anne responded to the kings wishes completely differently than Katherine. She saw what the consequences of defiance were for Katherine, and she wisely decided to take a different course. She was humble and obedient, which were qualities that the narcissistic Henry valued highly in women. Anne is sometimes portrayed as a bit of a simpleton because she was young and didn't speak English fluently yet, but I think her actions - after learning that the King wished to nullify their marriage - show that she was no fool. She ended up with a generous annuity from the crown, several beautiful homes, including Richmond Palace, and was still welcome at court, where she took precedence over all ladies but the king's daughters and his queen. She never had to return to Cleves in disgrace and lived the rest of her life in England.

I swear that Henry looked on his Queen's ladies in waiting as his own personal stable (sorry - do not mean to be rude). Whenever he felt the need to roam - he seemed to look no further than here.

Thank you for another great video, Claire 💛 I find Anne of Cleves absolutely fascinating. She was really the luckiest of all his wives. She didn't have to spend much time with him, and made a fair living out of being "his sister".

Anne of Cleves is my favorite of Henry's Queens. Smart enough to unload the Old Boy, keep her head, and become fabulously rich. Anne B is a close 2nd

Even with “pre-contract” Anne of Cleves never married again! She was the luckiest of all his wives. She decided to keep her head and give Henry whatever he wanted! Smart woman!

Anne of Cleves made out like a bandit in the end. She was still alive to see Princess Mary take her throne as Queen of England.

She was a very intelligent and what we consider "classy" lady. She knew exactly what would be in store for her had to fought against it and decided to just let sleeping dogs lay where they wish.

I wonder how'disappointed' she really was, especially since Henry had just had another wife killed.

Anne of Cleves words are so wise and so kind...I suddenly feel that I must read more about her! She conceded to the King's will with so much grace and humility, that it elicited an unexpectedly affectionate response!

I had often wondered before this if she had found him repugnant, and was glad to have a way out, alive. She certainly dodged a bullet there. Or maybe a hatchet.

🇺🇸such a fascinating time in British history. She’s lucky she keep her head. 🇬🇧

Anne was indeed lucky, without a doubt the luckiest of the six. She is indeed fascinating.

josh stone played a great anne of cleves

You can hear a shining smile in your voice when you speak of her. How lovely! Nice video, once again!

Anne of Cleaves was the luckiest woman to cross paths with Henry. Thank you, Claire! :-)

Hi Clair, an excellent video about, in my opinion, the most overlooked and dismissed wife of Henry viii. The way young women were brought up and educated was a far cry from Anne’s contemporaries in England and the continent. I think Anne would be a very worthy subject for a video to fit in with your Tudor videos. Super work and I’m going to start dipping into “this day in Tudor history” or Anne Boleyn part 2.

Anne holds my attention and I think she is also one of my favorites. A very smart women considering how things could have gone.

The settlement Anne of Cleves received inclines me to think that if Katherine of Aragon had been similarly willing to "play ball" with Henry, she could have struck a good deal with him as the price of her accepting the annulment without protest. However, poor Katherine apparently couldn't believe that Henry wouldn't eventually tire of Anne Boleyn and return to her. Anne of Cleves had the advantage of knowing how Henry had treated her predecessors, so she decided to bow gracefully to necessity.

I think that Anne's comment about her wedding ring being a thing of little value has just a touch of bitterness to it. I agree with you, Claire -- Anne of Cleves was a fascinating lady & a true survivor.

That is a whole new twist on the term "Sister Wife". What a reality show she could have had with her own "Sister Wives" t.v. franchise. I might believe that Anne was not up on all of the true facts of life, after spying in on my Grandmother, and her old Aunties private conversations about how things were in some households in the old South.

You've made me interested to know more about the original pre-contract of marriage and what really transpired in those negotiations! I also did not realize that Anne somehow presumed that Henry would return to her...her letters reveal a nimble mind but that does not preclude naivete!

She just must have been such a cool personality who really played the game right. She really fared better in the end than any of the wives or Henry or his children. Probably even happier than Elizabeth

I agree that Anne of Cleves seems to have been a fascinating person. She did come from a royal house though, so I think her head was always safe as it would have caused a diplomatic disaster if she was harmed. Still, i think her heart must also have been good as she seems to have been at peace with members of all the factions at Henry's court.

I seem to recall reading that Anne of Cleves had trouble back home in the form of her brother so Anne COULD not go “home”. Anne of Cleves must have been a pretty wise and kind lady.❤

A wonderful video, Claire. Thank you. I've also always been fascinated by Anne of Cleves. She had a number of strikes against her. In fact, about the only major advantage she really had was the fact that her brother, a German ruling prince, was a valued ally. Nevertheless, through clever strategy, an obviously good understanding of human nature and common sense, she was able to survive and attain an enviable life.

I believe Queen Mary Tudor well respected Anne of Cleves and paid for her funeral at Westminister Abbey in 1557.

That is what happens when you realise that 'taking the deal' so to speak, will present you with a much better outcome than if you fight him on it. Sensible young lady.xx

I agree, Anne (of Kleves) is someone who I find extremely interesting also. I wasn’t aware that she still considered herself married to the King and that she thought he would return to her after Katherine Howard's fall. That's interesting. However, I’m guessing that she was smart enough to know how lucky she was that he did not.

I was SO excited to see that today’s video was about Anne Of Cleves! I’d love to know more about her & would welcome more videos about wife #4/Anne #2. It seems like historians often overlook her. So when someone plays her in a movie/show about Henry VIII - I never know if it’s accurate🤷🏼‍♀️

Anne of Cleves is my favourite Tudor History person hands down, really enjoy hearing more about her here on your channel, which never fails to portrait her objectively. Thank you

It’s almost as if, seeing as it would have been a bad move politically for Henry to take out his anger on Anne herself, he had to get blood by beheading Cromwell. Honestly, the more I hear about Henry VIII, the more I think he was a sociopath. There seemed to be no real emotion attached to his personal relationships with both wives and friends, rather it was more about how well they served his narcissism. The minute they stepped out of line, that was it, and the only regret he seems to have voiced was regret over how they were dishonest towards him. Very disturbing.

I love learning all the little details, it makes for a fuller picture of the bigger historical events. I do feel sorry for Anne of Cleves in that she didn’t remarry. However, she’s also lucky she kept her life after being married to Henry VIII. Thank you again for another awesome video!

Yes... Anne of Cleves is my 2nd favorite also... From the portraits I think she is honestly MOST pleasing.

It tells a lot about Anne's character that she didn't sulk when Henry married Catherine Howard. Not many nobles would have reacted so supportive if a king dumbed them for their own Lady in waiting. Also, that Catherine Howard as a Queen was so fond of Anne shows that Anne had been a very kind queen before.

🇦🇺🦘 Anne of Cleves remains one of my favourite ladies of Tudor times. Truly a noble lady, caring and kind. I do believe that given half a chance, Anne would have made a dutiful and loving wife and Queen to King Henry VIII. ... Instead she became Henry's "right dear and right entirely beloved sister" ! .. "Thank you" Claire 👑👍.

Anne was a smart cookie!

Felt bad for her, but in the long run, she came out better than the rest, thanks again lady clarie for your historical insite🇬🇧💓🇬🇧💓

This was the first time I ever heard that Anne was disappointed that Henry did not want Anne back after the execution of Catherine Howard. I have always been under the impression that Anne was rather relieved when Henry annulled the marriage, and to keep her head and not have to return home where it sounds like that had been an unhappy life, she had agreed to this. She was I thought quite turned off by Henry at first meeting, and although in time they became friends and 'brother and sister' I really cannot imagine Anne would ever have wanted a repeat of the trials of the marriage bed!

She was so kind and so lucky to keep her head.

Fascinating woman. Thank you. ❤️

I’d love to learn more about Anne of Cleves. She’s my favourite of all Henry’s wives. Can you recommend any books worth reading, Claire?

Ann of Cleves was a very smart lady by accepting what the King wanted and was rewarded well. She kept her head. I too really liked ready about Ann of Cleves. I remember reading Henry said when he met Ann he said I like her not. Thank you again Claire for are Tudor lesson.

I admire this Anne as well. She kept her head about her, was given her own household and enough money to live comfortably without being beholden to any man. Rather, she had the protection and the respect of the King (which we all know didn't happen very often with Henry!). She had had such a dismal life in Flanders, that to now be free after six months with the King, was almost a true fairy tale. The King is said to have grown closer to her in later years and maybe even consumated their relationship then. Good for Anne!

Princess Anna of Cleves was very wise to have accepted the annulment of her marriage. She became a wealthy lady without Remaining Queen. She Became an honorary member of the King's family.

Anne of Cleves, hopefully, should have considered herself LUCKY! Thank you.

Very interesting video. Beauty is in eye of the beholder. Ironic she never remarried after nullification of her marriage. Smart lady agreeing to his terms. She kept her head intact. She must’ve been pleasant if she were indeed so well liked by others at court. Henry was like a serial killer enabled by his position. I was surprised Snn of Cleved was awarded the Boleyn property. How many houses did she need?

I think Anne of Cleves was the smartest, sweetest and most gracious of all of Henry's wives! She simply gave Henry what he wanted, a divorce, and made out like a bandit in the process. Also, she didn't have to sleep with him as by that time, he was fat and his ulcer stank! She figured out her best option and ran with it. She has always been my favorite of all the wives! PS Where is Tudor kitty today??? LOL

I love watching your videos!! I love the Tudor history so much and have been learning about it for years and watching your videos I have been learning soo much more!!! Thank you soo much for every video!!!!

Anne of Cleves is my second favourite of his wifes too.. She was very clever and knew how to play the game

Another excellent video!

I want to know how she escaped being accused of adultery or treason like the others. How did she manage to keep her head and find so much favor and love from K8?

Anne of Cleves couldn't remarry because the King said that her betrothal to the Duke of Lorraine wasn't properly broken and legally couldn't marry again unless the Duke died. It was dissolved in Cleves, but there were a few "extra" steps that should have been dealt and they should have brought the paper with them when she journeyed to England though the betrothal was broken when she was pre teen. At least, that was what the English court was saying. Anne, herself, knew this and knew that if she ever defied the King's wishes and did remarry she was likely forfeiting everything to be with her husband and that the King could say that she was committing great sin to be with her new husband and couldn't be with him.

Hi Claire, would it be possible to make a video about Anne of Cleves’ appearance some time? :) I simply cannot believe that she was as unattractive as Henry made her out to be, especially considering that their first meeting was extremely humiliating for Henry (or so I’ve read)

What a mess .....poot Anne ..doesn't sound like her family had the 'birds & bees' talk...Only Henry could have pulled off the 'sister'ploy.....but my God didn't she come up trumps....Genius moves on all sides...Very sad what she says about wedding ring though...heart wrenching! 😑 She really sounds like a lovely lady....thankyou Claire for another Tudor 'tasty titbit ' 😀

Yes, I agree, Anne of Cleves is also my second favorite queen. I didn't know she had hopes that the king would return to her. That's sad, but it's much better for her in the long run.

For some reason I thought Anne of C was still not allowed to remarry but just still had other privileges and houses

A lovely lady, wise beyond her years

Thank you so much Clare i really appreciate hearing about Anne of Cleaves i do get a tired of Anne Boylan and her family.

Either she was an awfully smart woman, or dumb luck was with her... no one, of course, will ever know what she really thought or how cunning she might have been. But with a "friend" like Henry, who needed an enemy? Sounds like she really didn't want to return to her family, staying an independent woman. Thank you for this woman's story and the lesson for this day. At least there were no deaths this time...

Love ur videos!! :)

I’m reading weir’s new book and it suggests Anna had a child in secret before her marriage to Henry !!!!!!! Omg I’m really having a hard time finishing the book because it’s just unimaginable

I think she's fascinating also! Some day when I go to England I would like to visit her house. I watched a KZfaq video of a tour

I've always thought that Anne of Cleves had common sense. She was certainly aware of the history of Henry's former wives. I think that Anne realized that for her to survive, she needed to treat Henry in a way that was frank and showed no threat to his goals or pride. Anne was never imprisoned, that was a major accomplishment. She managed to keep clear of intrigue and lived a good life after the annulment.

She's my second favorite wife too!

Anne of Cleves was a lady who knew how to survive and didn't want to go back to Germany because in England she could have fun, and did I remember reading that she enjoyed gambling.

I'm not so sure that Anne of Cleves was entirely disappointed that Henry did not return to her. Just saying...they did seem to have a cordial relationship, and I am sure Anne wanted to keep it that way after what happened to Henry's previous wives and the next one :(

I’ve always wondered if Anne of Cleaves got such a good severance package for divorcing him so quietly- just because Catherine of Aragon wouldn’t. He was so happy NOT to have another Catherine on his hands. Would Catherine have been treated so generously if she’d obeyed him..?

Love Anne of Cleves. What an interesting story she has!

Hi Clare, I recently found your channel (subscribed) and have been bingeing on videos since. I'm assuming Anne Boleyn is your favourite given the name of your channel and you said here Anne of Cleves is your 2nd. I'm curious how you would order them after that.

I just finished reading Alison Weir fictional work. On Anne of cleves that suggested that Anne gave birth to a child ( boy) in her early teens and that her mom covered it up... I honestly was thinking was there even a remotely a possibility that that actually happened...

I think Anne of Cleves, was a practical and smart woman. Anne found her place with Henry as it were and was able to go to court as his sister. My History teacher said that Anne was very happy after the breakup. I think she was. Strange as that sounds. Claire when you have time could you investigate the recipe for Anne of Cleaves cake please.

Very few people in Henry's court "won," however Anne of Cleves did. I'm actually not sure which wife I admire the most. Probably Catherine of Aragon.

Anne of Cleves ,in my opinion deserves for her hometown Cleves to create a cake named for her. I heard that fact on Rick Steves' Europe.

Very informative video thank you! The Boleyn inheritance novel by Philippa Gregory gives a very sympathetic impression of Anne of Cleves which taught me things I didn’t know about Anne. I think she was a very brave woman who, although frustrated in her desire to be a good queen for her new country, rose above the challenges posed to her by the annulment (rejection from the king and estrangement from her family) to live a life that was unconventional in her time (rich and without a husband but valued and influential to her ex (royal) step children who reportedly held her in high regard despite differences in religion. She’s a bit of a heroine of mine now. ❤️

What a most gracious lady!!!

A lucky escape for Anne!

I wonder if Catherine of Aragon would've received similar treatment had she conceded to Henry?

I also really enjoy reading about Anne of Cleves. It seems that both Mary and Elizabeth were fond of her. The way she handled the Christmas meeting with Katherine Howard was comemdable. books would you recommend about Anne of Cleves? I tend to believe that Anne wasn't that naive about what went on between men and women. Since the first meeting of Henry and Anne, it seems to me that while she treated Henry with the utmost respect, she may not have found him attractive. Henry would not have been pleased about her lack of response. So Anne decides to place the blame of "thing much going on" on herself. This leaves Henry's pride in tact. Since she was intelligently agreeing about the divorce (who would want to end up like the other three wives?) she thought she wasn't doing too badly by the whole affair. It seems to be she turned out to be the most fortunate of all of them. I so enjoy your KZfaq programs.

Of all of his wives, Anne of Cleves is the most tragic of all. Poor woman. She learned the hard way never to marry a divorced and formerly married man. However, she was wisest and best because she never remarried and never succumbed to peer pressure. Good on her. Henry didn’t deserve her.

At always liked and of Cleves. But the phrase dodged a bullet comes into my head whenever I think of her

Anne of Cleves was VERY clever in her wording of the kings attentions. By playing dumb she didn't emasculate him or put into question his virility, while still letting her ladies know there was no hanky panky going on.

Anne got the best situation out of all his wives.

Perhaps you can clarify what you mean by stating that Anne of Cleves could NOT have been sexually naive despite her testimony as to what she regarded as consummation. Do you think it could be that she simply thought that the behavior Henry extended was enough to make them man and wife and that sexual activity between them wasn't all that necessary? I wondered this after you related that she continued to believe herself to be his wife, even after the annulment. As to her disappointment that Henry didn't renew their marriage after Katherine Howard's execution, is it known why she felt confident that she could manage his often demonstrated willingness to turn on a favored individual? Are any of these questions even answerable?

If there was an earthquake that day, it was Anne heaving a sigh of relief!

Henry was kinder to Anne of Cleves than any of the wives he claimed to love.

Ann of Cleves comes across as really nice and clever knew how to handle Henry VIII

Claire, is it possible that Anne of Cleves realized that the marriage would put her in danger? If so, is it possible she deliberately made herself as unattractive to him as possible?

I didn't know she expected to have Henry back. We can only speculate she was "the smart wife" of the six, as some comments imply, unless we have source to prove it. I would not underestimate the love an unexperienced Christian princess thought she owed her husband, with whom she was supposed to live all her life. If it was not out of love that she wished Henry back, then, it must have been out of pride, and how can we blame her.

It seemed that Henry eventually regretted anulling the marriage. At least the way it was portrayed in the series. It would be very interesting to know more of her life.

I wonder if she was probably just being sarcastic and hinting that she wont get pregnant because he doesnt want to have with her? It would be pretty sad if she was really that ignorant about what it takes to get pregnant😦

There was an advantage, to keeping on the kings good side. For Anne, to be called the kings sister, she would be able to hang out, go to party's and other goings on at court. She got multiple houses, furniture, and housewares. Wow! She must have had a good reputation to proceed her, and after the marriage was annulled, a good reputation afterwards.

Wonder how much Anne or her family knew about Henry's past marriages. Or the decision to have Anne declared "The King's Sister".

Anne of Cleves was smart enough to let King Henry have his way ,, that probably saved her head,,

I love me some Anne C!

I love them! 💜💚💙

I love Anne of Cleves too. I have sought, as have probably most here, to find if Henry ever said anything about Anne Boleyn after he discarded and killed her. One source claimed that Princess Elizabeth had said Anne of Cleves was pretty. Henry made a comment to whoever he was with that Elizabeth did not know beauty and that she had, "had such a mother." Is there any truth to that? Henry's legal manoeuvrings were laughable and invite crude comments. However he said it best in describing how he touched Anne of Cleves' breasts and belly, determined she could not be a maid and he could proceed no further. (Translation: He could not perform.) But then Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette's love life was similar to Henry and Anne of Cleves and that is why no children were produced for seven years.