Mistresses of Henry VIII facts for kids
The women in King Henry VIII's life included several important figures between 1509 and 1536. These women have often been written about in books and shown in films and TV shows.
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Important Companions of King Henry VIII
King Henry VIII had close relationships with several women. These relationships were important during his reign.
Elizabeth Blount
Elizabeth Blount, also known as Bessie, was one of the women King Henry VIII was involved with. She gave birth to his son, Henry Fitzroy. The name Fitzroy means 'son of the king'. Henry VIII officially recognized Fitzroy as his son. There was even talk that Fitzroy might become the king's official heir, especially since Henry VIII did not have a son at that time.
Mary Boleyn
Mary Boleyn was the sister of Anne Boleyn, who later became one of Henry VIII's wives. Some people rumored that one or both of Mary's children might have been the King's. However, there is no real proof to support these rumors. Mary is often thought to have been one of Henry's favorite companions.
Margaret Shelton
Margaret "Madge" Shelton was a cousin of Anne Boleyn. Reports from the time suggest that the King had a relationship with Margaret Shelton in 1535. This relationship lasted for about six months.
King Henry VIII's Future Queens
King Henry VIII also had romantic relationships with three women who later became his wives.
Anne Boleyn
He began a relationship with his second wife, Anne Boleyn, around 1526. This was about the time his relationship with Anne's sister, Mary, ended. At this time, Anne was also a maid-of-honour to Henry's first wife, Catherine of Aragon. Henry and Anne's daughter, Elizabeth I, was born in September 1533. This was almost eight months after their marriage in January 1533.
Catherine Howard
In 1540, Henry VIII started a relationship with Catherine Howard. Catherine was a maid-of-honour to his fourth wife, Anne of Cleves. She was also a cousin to Anne and Mary Boleyn. Catherine later became Henry's fifth wife.
Henry VIII in Books and Shows
Many stories and shows have been made about King Henry VIII and the women in his life.
About Elizabeth Blount
- The Tudors, a TV series from 2007, where she was played by Ruta Gedmintas.
- The Spanish Princess (2020), where she was played by Chloe Harris.
About Mary Boleyn
- The Other Boleyn Girl, a popular book by Philippa Gregory. There is also a film based on this book.
- The Last Boleyn, a novel by Karen Harper (2006).
- Mistress Boleyn – a Novel about Mary Boleyn by Charlotte St. George (2012).
- The Tudors, a TV series from 2007, where she was played by Perdita Weeks.
About Mary Shelton
- A main character in The Lady in the Tower by Jean Plaidy (2003).
About Anne Hastings
- A small character in The Tudors (2007).
- A small character in The Spanish Princess (2020).
About Anne Bassett
- A small character in The Boleyn Inheritance by Philippa Gregory (2006).
Images for kids
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Portrait of Anne Hastings. She was sometimes thought to be one of Henry's companions.
See also
