Catherine of Aragon
In 1509, the wedding of Henry VIII and Catherine took place in a private ceremony in the church of the Observant Friars outside Greenwich Palace. She was 23 years old, and King Henry was just days away from his 18th birthday. Catherine and Henry had three children together – two sons called Henry who both died in their infancy and Mary. Henry Divorced Catherine in 1533 because their marriage was “blighted” because it had not produced a male heir.
Anne Boleyn
King Henry VIII married Anne Boleyn, his second wife, in a secret ceremony at Whitehall Palace in January 1533. Anne was pregnant at the time of the wedding and gave birth to the future Queen Elizabeth I six months later. Anne was beheaded in May 1536 on charges of adultery, treason, and inceste.
Jane Seymour
Henry VIII married Jane Seymour just 11 days after Anne Boleyn’s execution. Jane was the only one of Henry’s wives to give him a son who survived infancy – the future King Edward VI. Jane died 12 days after the birth of her son from what is believed to have been postpartum complications.
Anne of Cleves
Henry VIII married Anne of Cleves for political reasons in January 1540. The marriage was never consummated and was declared null and void six months later. Anne was given a generous settlement by the king and was referred to as the “King’s Beloved Sister” for the rest of her life.
Katherine Howard
Henry VIII married Katherine Howard in July 1540. She was just 19 years old at the time, making her Henry’s youngest wife. Katherine was beheaded in February 1542 on charges of adultery.
Catherine Parr
Henry VIII married Catherine Parr in July 1543. She was his sixth and final wife. Catherine outlived Henry and went on to marry Thomas Seymour after the king’s death.