Secrets of the Six Wives of Henry VIII (episode 21)

In September 2020, the government of the United Kingdom instituted the “rule of six” to attempt to mitigate the spread of Coronavirus. It means that, with a few specific exceptions, it is illegal to gather in groups larger than six.

This created some wonderful memes featuring images of the Six Wives of Henry VIII, smiling happily, because when they gather there is no room for the King! It echoes the creative team behind the musical SIX, a retelling of the story in fun rather than historical ways. Each wife gets a turn to tell her story. There are references to the man who brings them together, but he never gets to appear on stage. Once again, no room for Henry!

Of course, it’s all fanciful and fun rather than accurate. But it does invite us to think about these women as individuals, each fascinating in her own way. And it raises the question: what are the secrets, or at least lesser-known facts, of each of the Six Wives of Henry VIII?

The person who might be able to fill in some of the secrets of the six wives for us is Anne Herbert, Countess of Pembroke. Born in 1515, she became a Maid-of-Honor to Katherine of Aragon in 1528. She continued in that role for Anne Boleyn, embracing Anne’s interest in the new faith. After Anne Boleyn’s fall, Anne remained in the service of Jane Seymour and was one of the few women present at the baptism of Prince Edward. She married Sir William Herbert in 1538 and returned to court to be in the household of Anne of Cleves, which quickly became the household of Katherine Howard. Finally, Anne Herbert was a witness to the wedding of Henry VIII and Katherine Parr in 1543. Katherine Parr’s royal household may have been Anne Herbert’s favorite assignment, as Katherine Parr was her sister. The only person known to have served all six of Henry’s wives, she would have some amazing secrets to share!

The rest of us will have to make due with enjoying the unique, captivating, and endlessly fascinating stories of the Six Wives of Henry VIII!

History shows us what's possible.