These six queens consort all had one man in common. But is it possible to understand them as individuals, even after 500 years?
'Divorced, beheaded, died…'
Henry VIII’s wives – in order, Katherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard and Katherine Parr – were so much more than just his queens consort.
These six women are often compared with each other, or mentioned only in relation to their shared experience of marriage to Henry VIII. It’s also easy to think of their downfalls as inevitable, simple outcomes.
But many historians now acknowledge that the Tudor queens were all complex women with distinct personalities, who had to survive in the ruthless Tudor court. The popular rhyme, ‘divorced, beheaded, died; divorced, beheaded, survived’ may have helped ensure their continued presence in the popular imagination, but it conceals their agency, individualism and lives before Henry.
On this page and in our Six Tudor Queens podcast series, our experts and guest historians have tried as much as possible to get to know Katherine, Anne, Jane, Anne, Catherine and Katherine on their own terms. They have drawn on their expertise to form a picture of each of these women, 500 years after they lived.
Content warning
This page includes discussion of miscarriages, stillbirths, infant death and fertility issues.
What is a queen consort?
'Queen consort' is the official title of the king’s wife. So, as Henry VIII’s wives, these six women were also all queens consort of England.
People feel they have to choose a side between Henry VIII’s wives. If they like Katherine of Aragon [for example], they then have to hate Anne Boleyn… the circumstances they were in pit some of the wives against each other. But I think in this world we're living in now, we're so removed from that, it is entirely possible to admire them all individually.
James Peacock, Palace Host at Hampton Court Palace
The devout Spanish diplomat who refused to let Henry have his way
Katherine of Aragon was intelligent, brave and fiercely principled. She was the daughter of two ruling Spanish monarchs: the indomitable Isabella, Queen of Castile, and Ferdinand, King of Aragon.
Image: Katherine of Aragon. © Royal Collection Enterprises Ltd 2025 | Royal Collection Trust
Katherine had different views about female rulership to Henry, because her mother [Isabella, Queen of Castile] was an incredibly powerful monarch... She was a warrior queen. She was a cultured queen. She was a very religious queen.... She was a really important influence on the young Katherine.
Elizabeth Norton, Tudor historian
Katherine was trained to be Queen of England since her infancy, and spent 24 years in this role – what she saw as her divine duty. She excelled as Queen Consort, acting as Queen Regent when Henry VIII was away – she once sent him the bloodied cloak of his enemy after a battle. She was also an excellent diplomat, and hosted François I of France at the Field of Cloth of Gold.
Katherine had incredible emotional resilience. She navigated the loss of at least five children, including miscarriages, stillborn babies and the death of her son Henry when he was just 52 days old. Like many Tudor parents, Katherine would have felt these losses keenly.
This strong-mindedness meant that, when Henry tried to annul their marriage, Katherine refused to go without a fight. She even successfully argued her case in court, in defiance of her husband.
Alas, Sir, where have I offended you? Or what occasion have you of displeasure, that you intend to put me from you? I take God and all the world to witness that I have been to you a true, humble and obedient wife, ever conformable to your will and pleasure.
Katherine of Aragon appealing to Henry VIII at a court in Blackfriars, London
Katherine believed that being Queen of England was her calling. She was fiercely protective of their daughter, Mary (the future Mary I). As the aunt of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, and the woman who many of Henry’s subjects viewed as the true Queen, Katherine knew she had too much power to let Henry dispose of them both.
History where it happened: Hampton Court Palace
Katherine visited Hampton Court Palace as a guest of Thomas Wolsey, the King’s right-hand man. She also entertained her nephew here, during his engagement to her daughter, Mary. In many ways, this was the high point of Katherine’s life.
Image: The Tudor World in the Wolsey Rooms at Hampton Court Palace. © Historic Royal Palaces
With Katherine, we tend to think, ‘what a sad life’. But Hampton Court represents Katherine in her heyday. Wolsey first started building the palace in 1514, when Katherine was only five years into being queen. The world was full of possibilities for her.
Tracy Borman, Chief Historian at Historic Royal Palaces
Listen to the podcast for more: Katherine of Aragon
In this episode of the Historic Royal Palaces podcast, Tracy Borman opens our new Six Tudor Queens series with renowned historian, Dr Elizabeth Norton. Tracy and Elizabeth reveal that Katherine’s iron-will was both her strength and arguably her undoing.
Please be aware that this episode contains references to miscarriages, still births and infant mortality.
Cultured, ambitious and captivating, Anne brought French sophistication to the English court
Anne Boleyn first experienced court as a teenager, as maid of honour under the self-assured and cultured archduchess Margaret of Austria, and then at the French court under Queen Claude. The latter court was heavily influenced by the indomitable presence of the French King’s mother, Louise of Savoy and his discerning sister, Marguerite of Angoulême.
This experience of observing several confident women presiding over the European courts made a deep impression on young Anne.
Image: Anne Boleyn by Unknown English artist, late 16th century, based on a work of circa 1533-1536. © National Portrait Gallery, London
We do often fixate on what Anne Boleyn looked like, when actually her qualities were to do with her intellect, her mind, her wit, her charisma… She soaked up the Renaissance spirit and injected it into Henry's court.
Dr Owen Emmerson, social and cultural historian
Once in the English court, Anne made the most of her position and experience and took control of her own destiny. As was expected of a Tudor woman, she pursued marriage, but was determined that it would be an advantageous one.
When pursued by Henry VIII, Anne refused to be his mistress on several occasions. She left court for Hever Castle, where Henry continued his campaign via increasingly erratic love letters. Anne’s responses do not survive, but we know that she laid down the terms for her acquiescence: marriage and a role as queen consort.
As Queen, Anne was no less ambitious. An advocate for religious reform, she had opinions on the future of England and was not afraid to try to influence Henry’s reign. Ultimately, Anne would have a hand in initiating the English reformation – arguably the biggest change in the British monarchy.
For Anne, [her marriage] was not just about personal gain. If she wants to be queen, she has ideas, that she wants to put into practice and ideas about religious reform, social reform. In a way, she's way ahead of her time.
Tracy Borman, Chief Historian at Historic Royal Palaces
Even before her much-discussed downfall, Anne needed extraordinary resilience to withstand what was considered the main role of a queen in the Tudor period – carrying and giving birth to male heirs. She endured several miscarriages during her three years as Queen, without the support of her husband, who left her to cope alone.
Anne made sure that her baby daughter (the future Elizabeth I) was honoured as the female heir to the throne. In the patriarchal world of the Tudor court, she was a force to be reckoned with.
History where it happened: Great Hall
Anne had an influence on the building of the Tudor palace, so it is fitting that her falcon badge and initials still survive in the fabric of the Great Hall. Anne and Henry ordered more candles for the workmen to work into the night, so they could complete this magnificent space on time.
Image: The Great Hall at Hampton Court Palace. © Historic Royal Palaces
Anne knew how to engage with this chivalric idea of courtly love. And in order to pursue this language of chivalry, you need a great hall like this, where the King and Queen can hold court, where the Queen can ingratiate herself to Henry's courtiers.
James Peacock, Palace Host at Hampton Court Palace
Listen to the podcast for more: Anne Boleyn
In this episode of our podcast, Tracy Borman is joined by Dr Owen Emmerson and Palace Host James Peacock, to take on the mammoth task of discussing Anne Boleyn’s reputation. They’ll explore this in the Great Hall of Hampton Court Palace, which remains a symbol of Anne’s triumph.
Please be aware that this episode contains references to miscarriages, still births and infant mortality.
Supposedly meek and mild – but was there more to Jane than met the eye?
Jane Seymour was raised in the Wiltshire countryside as part of a large family. A religious conservative at heart, she served in the household of Katherine of Aragon and then Anne Boleyn.
Historians disagree over Jane's motives and the level of agency she had after she caught the attention of the King. In one interaction, Jane returned a letter from Henry unopened, noting there was ‘no treasure in the world that she valued as much as her honour’. But was she truly concerned with her honour – or was she holding out for a chance of being queen? And how much had she been schooled by her family in this?
Image: Queen Jane Seymour (1508/9-1537) c.1536-7. © Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2025 | Royal Collection Trust
Jane becomes Queen by appearing so polar opposite to Anne… how much of this is done under her own steam, and how much of this is encouraged by her supporters? We don't know for sure, but I'm sure that there is certainly some element of Jane driving this… and it only becomes more and more apparent as Henry's favour for Jane increases.
Dr Nicola Tallis, Tudor historian and author
Whatever the truth of this period, one story suggests that Jane was opposed to Henry’s religious changes. During the early days of her marriage, and with Anne Boleyn executed just a few months prior, Jane allegedly threw herself before the King, begging him not to destroy the monasteries.
I almost see [her plea to Henry] as Jane's way of dipping her toe in the water, if you like, and testing the boundaries. How far can she push Henry in these early days of her marriage? Is this her trying to ascertain exactly how much power she's got?
Dr Nicola Tallis, Tudor historian and author
Even after this critical moment, we can get a sense of Jane’s conservatism by how she took control of both her household and her image. She instructed her ladies to wear traditional English gable hoods and ensured they adhered to a strict moral code. She developed a relationship with Mary, Katherine of Aragon’s daughter, who hoped to reconcile with her father and even be restored to the line of succession.
In Holbein’s famous portrait from 1536, the Queen wears a lush red, glittering outfit, pairing it with a large brooch bearing the initials IHS (a transliteration of the first three letters of the name ‘Jesus’ in Greek). This magnificent outfit marks both her royal status and Catholic piety.
While these tantalising hints at Jane’s personality are intriguing, the evidence doesn’t tell us about her motives. Was this traditionalism an attempt to conform to the expected subservient role of a woman in the Tudor period, or was she subtly trying to influence Henry’s court towards conservatism?
History where it happened: Jane Seymour's rooms
In this behind-the-scenes space at Hampton Court Palace, Jane Seymour gave birth to the future Edward VI. It is also where she died just two weeks later. Although the room has been significantly altered in the 500 years since Jane stayed here, the fireplace and view over the palace gives a sense of the most triumphant but also traumatic period of Jane’s life.
Image: Tracy Borman recording the Historic Royal Palaces podcast in Jane Seymour's rooms at Hampton Court Palace. © Historic Royal Palaces
Jane would have been sleeping in a huge four poster bed, covered with lavish coverings and pillows. That would all have been wonderful, but there would have been no air in here... It was believed that any light might frighten the infant when it was born, and the fire here would have been stoked, so it would have been incredibly, incredibly hot and claustrophobic.
Dr Nicola Tallis, Tudor historian and author
Listen to the podcast for more: Jane Seymour
In this episode of our podcast series, Tracy Borman is joined by Dr Nicola Tallis to reveal that Jane Seymour may have had more to her than history has allowed.
Pragmatic and generous, Anne of Cleves turned a potential political disaster into a personal triumph
More than the 'divorced' woman in the rhyme, Anne of Cleves was diplomatic, kind and level-headed. She wisely avoided court intrigues, accepting the King’s decision to have their marriage annulled. Anne preserved her own freedom, safety and prosperity, ultimately securing her long-term social and financial security as the so-called ‘King’s Sister’.
Image: An engraving called Anne of Cleves by Francesco Bartolozzi, after Hans Holbein the Younger. © National Portrait Gallery, London
Anne has a status that is superior to every woman in England except Henry's wife and daughters… And I love her acquiescence actually, because it does feel like there's more than an element of choice in this for Anne. She could have held out longer against the annulment, but she has learned from the lessons of the past.
Tracy Borman, Chief Historian at Historic Royal Palaces
After the annulment of their marriage, Anne strategically accepted the King's arrangements, receiving vast amounts of property, including Richmond Palace and later Hever Castle. She also received an annual income of £500 as well as revenue from several estates. She was allowed to keep all her dresses, jewels and a metal plate. This diplomatic approach ensured her comfortable position within the royal circle.
Anne put effort into continuing her good relationships with Henry VIII's children long after her time as queen ended. This would bear fruit during the reign of the King’s eldest daughter, Mary I. Anne seems to have been popular both at court and with her household.
She is very generous and she's very kind to those who serve her. I think that is a great judge of character. You know, it's all very well being nice to those... above you on the ladder, but if you're nice to those below you, I think that speaks a great deal about your strength of character. And it's hard to find anyone who has a bad word to say about Anne of Cleves.
Tracy Borman, Chief Historian at Historic Royal Palaces
As Anne settled into English court life, she enjoyed a new kind of freedom. She spent time in her properties and learned to dance and speak English. She stayed on good terms with the King, even navigating Christmas 1541 with Henry VIII and his new Queen, Catherine Howard at Hampton Court Palace.
While her fortunes changed according to the priorities of the Tudor court, Anne of Cleves enjoyed wealth and independence rarely matched by women in her time.
History where it happened: The Council Chamber
Here in the Council Chamber of Hampton Court Palace, some of the biggest decisions of the Tudor age were likely debated and agreed. These included the establishment of the Church of England; the execution of Anne Boleyn, and the annulment of Anne of Cleves’ marriage.
The latter decision would be relayed to Anne just three days before its approval – but she would negotiate this difficult situation with her usual pragmatism.
Image: The Council Chamber at Hampton Court Palace. © Historic Royal Palaces
Listen to the podcast for more: Anne of Cleves
Anne of Cleves’ looks were the least interesting thing about her, but her story has been dominated by them for centuries. In this podcast episode, Tracy is joined by fellow Curator Brett Dolman to unpack this fixation on appearance and reveal the woman beneath the myths.
Vibrant and charming, Catherine shone during her time as queen
It could be said that Catherine Howard had all the makings of a brilliant Tudor Queen. She received an aristocratic education in the care of her step-grandmother, the Dowager Duchess of Norfolk, and excelled in the subtleties of etiquette. She learned literacy, calligraphy, and music during her early years – plus the so-called ‘feminine graces’ or ‘feminine crafts’.
Catherine was young – still in her teens when she was married. Assuming she could bear a son for Henry’s growing Tudor dynasty, she had every chance of being a successful Queen in the patriarchal world of the Tudor court.
Image: An unknown woman engraved as Catherine Howard by Francesco Bartolozzi, published by John Chamberlaine, after Hans Holbein the Younger. © National Portrait Gallery, London
In terms of her personality she had, and this is not meant to sound flippant, that indefinable quality of cool – she really had it. And she comes across as great fun and very engaging. And she could organise fun, and she could organise people.
Gareth Russell, biographer, historian and broadcaster
Catherine has been judged by generations as a promiscuous and thoughtless . Recent research suggests that she was more of a victim than a seductress and that she was preyed upon by the men who surrounded her. But there are also accounts from her short life that indicate she could be a demanding royal mistress. An earlier story from her relationship with Henry Manox also suggests Catherine had a remarkable – if fleeting – capacity to demonstrate her own agency.
Manox cannot resist bragging about [his relationship to Catherine]… she ends it and she goes for a walk in the orchard with him and says, no, it was completely unacceptable what you did and you said, goodbye.
Gareth Russell, biographer, historian and broadcaster
History where it happened: The Great Watching Chamber
While the Haunted Gallery is most associated with the end of Catherine’s queenship, the sparkling Great Watching Chamber perfectly symbolises the vibrant young woman behind the ghost story. Catherine first came to Hampton Court as Queen and was formally acknowledged as such here in August 1540.
Image: The Great Watching Chamber at Hampton Court Palace. © Historic Royal Palaces
To some extent, Catherine’s marriage was born at Oatlands Palace, but her queenship was born here [at Hampton Court] because the official proclamation that she was Queen of England and Lady of Ireland was made here... I would always like to think of Hampton Court as the christening and the funeral of her time as queen.
Gareth Russell, biographer, historian and broadcaster
Listen to the podcast for more: Catherine Howard
In the fifth episode of our Six Tudor Queens podcast series, Tracy Borman is joined by historian and author Gareth Russell. They paint a picture of Catherine Howard as a vivacious young woman whose life deserves to be revealed without the layers that centuries have placed upon her.
An intelligent, strong and resourceful champion of her own agenda
Katherine Parr thrived in the Tudor court through her exceptional scholarly achievements and intellectual sophistication. Her credentials were remarkable: Katherine was the first English queen to publish original works under her own name.
Katherine's writings, including Prayers or Meditations and The Lamentation of a Sinner, demonstrated her deep theological knowledge and commitment to Protestant reforms. This established her as a significant intellectual figure beyond her royal status.
Image: Katherine Parr, by an unknown artist, late 16th century. © National Portrait Gallery, London
[Courtiers] described Katherine as being pleasant and lively in appearance. [They remarked on] her virtue, her good humour – maybe that is slightly where the sort of meek and mild nursemaid legend comes from. But you could also look on it as she was a clever woman, clever enough sometimes to hide her teeth when necessary.
Sarah Gristwood, historian
Katherine was fluent in French and Italian, interested in education, and a passionate advocate for Protestant principles through her writings and court influence. She was supportive of her younger stepdaughter Elizabeth (the future Elizabeth I) and the pair developed a close relationship. She even promoted the interests of her elder stepdaughter, the Catholic Mary I.
Katherine Parr survived the Tudor court by balancing advocacy for religious reform and diplomatic sensitivity. Her intellectual achievements gave her a unique position of respect and influence, transcending the typical expectations of a queen consort.
This wasn't a time when women, certainly in England, had been expected to play a huge part in the religious debates, but Katherine did. It wasn't a time when women were expected to put out their own achievements under their own name. But Katherine did.
Sarah Gristwood, historian
History where it happened: The Holy Day Closet
Katherine Parr married Henry VIII in her privy closet at Hampton Court Palace, on the morning of 12 of July 1543. Sadly, it no longer exists. But it would have been close to this space set up for Katherine’s marriage off the Haunted Gallery.
Image: The Holy Day Closet at Hampton Court Palace. © Historic Royal Palaces
Katherine saw this as her calling. God had given her this opportunity. And even though she would have married elsewhere if it had been for personal reasons, she couldn't turn this down, this chance to further the reformed faith.
Tracy Borman, Chief Historian at Historic Royal Palaces
Listen to the podcast for more: Katherine Parr
Join Tracy Borman and historian Sarah Gristwood as they acquaint us with the version of Katherine Parr behind the myths. More than the nursemaid who looked after and survived her husband, an image of Katherine emerges as a woman ahead of her time.
Browse more history and stories
Henry VIII, Terrible Tudor?
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Henry VIII's children
All three ruled England
The royal court in the Tudor period
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