It is brought to his attention, by Cromwell, that there is a German Princess, Anna of Kleve, who is available to wed. Europe is very unsettled, as the major powers look to increase their strengths through marriage and wars, so Henry needs to make a vital alliance fast. Henry, at forty-six years of age, is suffering from ill health, with his weight causing him major difficulties.

Now left with an infant son to care for, he needs to wed again and soon. Henry VIII was traumatised by the death of his beloved Jane Seymour. ‘Anna is often said to be the luckiest of Henry’s queens, the one that got away and did very well out of it – but is that true?’ Anna of Kleve, Queen of Secrets will shock and surprise many historians and I’m not so sure that all will agree on Alison Weir’s rather startling tale! Alison Weir does an enormous amount of research when writing these novels and it was a discovery of words apparently spoken by Henry VIII that directed her to this fascinating story-line. A charming, spirited woman, she was loved by all who knew her – and even, ultimately, by the King who rejected her.Īnna of Kleve, Queen of Secrets, is the fourth novel in the Six Tudor Queens series by renowned historian Alison Weir and was recently published, on May 2nd, with Headline Review. Everyone knows the King won’t stand for a problem queen.Īcclaimed, bestselling historian Alison Weir draws on new evidence to conjure a startling image of Anna as you’ve never seen her before.

But Anna’s past is never far from her thoughts, and the rumours rife at court could be her downfall. She prays she will please Henry, for the balance of power in Europe rests on this marriage alliance. The King is in love with Anna’s portrait, but she has none of the accomplishments he seeks in a new bride.

Allison innocent traitor