The six wives of Henry VIII
Two marriages annulled, two queens executed, one who died after giving birth and one who outlived him. Each left her mark on Hampton Court.
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Catherine of Aragon
Married 1509, annulled 1533
Henry’s queen for twenty-four years. His determination to end the marriage, and find a son to succeed him, led England to break with Rome.
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Anne Boleyn
Married 1533, executed 1536
Henry VIII’s second queen was crowned in 1533 and executed three years later. Her name still marks the gateway at the heart of the palace.
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Jane Seymour
Married 1536, died 1537
She gave birth to the future Edward VI at Hampton Court in October 1537, and died there twelve days later.
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Anna of Cleves
Married 1540, annulled 1540
The marriage lasted six months. Afterwards she stayed in England, honoured as the King’s sister.
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Katherine Howard
Married 1540, executed 1542
Confined at Hampton Court in 1541 and executed the following year. Her ghost is said to haunt the palace’s Haunted Gallery.
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Catherine Parr
Married 1543, outlived Henry
She married Henry at Hampton Court in July 1543 and was still his queen when he died in 1547.
More about the marriages
Follow the six wives with a guide
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