The Courtship and Coronation of Anne Boleyn
The Life of the Second Wife of Henry VIII 1526-1533
Sep 18, 2009
As it became clear to the King that his present Queen–Katharine of Aragon–would be unable to produce the male heir that he desired, the relationship between Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn intensified. Despite beginning to navigate the annulment of his marriage. Henry offered Anne a status similar to the French maîtresse en titre (Official Royal Mistress). This offer was refused and an offer of marriage was proposed.
Courting Anne Boleyn
From the love letters that survive of the courtship of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, it can be assumed that the union was not consummated for much of their seven year engagement. Based upon a teaching in the book of Leviticus that stated that if a man married the widow of his brother, the marriage would be childless (the marriage to Katharine had actually resulted in a daughter, but the lack of male heir lent credence to the opinion that the marriage was cursed) it was felt an annulment would be easy to obtain.
However, Katharine's nephew held a powerful position in Europe as Holy Roman Emperor (Charles V) and the Pope (Clement VII) was reluctant to yield to the request.
While awaiting a decision from Rome, Anne's position within the court was becoming more prominent. Her lavish clothing and intelligent wit were fast making an impression and by 1530 she was openly favoured by the King, taking her place beside him at banquets and parties.
The Marquess of Pembroke
With the wait for the much longed for annulment from Katharine stretching into years, Anne was becoming restless. In order to assuage her concerns, on 4th September 1532, Anne was titled the Marquess of Pembroke in a lavish ceremony held at Windsor Castle.
Despite now being titled with her own wealth and land, Anne received a frosty reception both at home and abroad. While accompanying the King on a state visit to France, the women of the French court refused to acknowledge or meet with her.
Marriage, Pregnancy and Coronation
While it has not been definitely confirmed, it is thought that a secret marriage ceremony was carried out as within a few months of returning from France, Anne Boleyn was pregnant. An annulment had still not been granted, which meant there was the risk that a potential male heir could be born illegitimate.
A small wedding ceremony was conducted in London on 25 January 1533, and Henry quickly rejected the authority of the Pope.
A few months later, the newly appointed Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Crammer (a close friend of Anne Boleyn) annulled the marriage of Katharine and Henry, pronouncing the marriage of Anne and Henry to be valid.
Anne’s coronation took place on 1 June 1533 in a lavish ceremony at Westminster Abbey. Afterwards, Anne is reported to have complained to Henry that she saw “many caps on heads”–a sign of disrespect.
Birth of a Daughter
On 7th September 1533, Anne gave birth to a baby girl (who became the famous Elizabeth I). While disappointed that the child was not his longed for son, Henry did not seem to blame Anne, assuring her that “sons would surely follow”.
Elizabeth’s christening was a large and expensive ceremony, and Henry immediately proclaimed her his heir and demanded his older daughter, Mary, renounce any claim she may have had and accept the new baby as the legal and rightful heir to the throne of England.
It has been argued that Anne’s failure to produce the son Henry craved ultimately caused her downfall.
Sources:
Letters of the Queens of England, Ed. Anne Crawford, (Sutton Publishing Ltd; New edition edition,Aug 2002)
Six Wives: The Queens of Henry VIII, David Starkey, (Vintage; New edition edition, Mar 2004)
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