22 Comments
User's avatar
Roy Kirkland's avatar

What a funny, ironic, messed-up story!

Even a king has to experienced instant karma!

(I loved the medical terminology in this piece BTW.)

And I thought he was screwed up before this...

Thanks, Linda -

Expand full comment
Linda Caroll's avatar

Right? It is funny and so messed up. They're not kidding about that "truth is stranger than fiction" thing. lol

Expand full comment
Kathy Ayers's avatar

God this is creepy. Sorry, entitled royalty. But flipping creepy.

Expand full comment
Linda Caroll's avatar

Right? She must have thanked her lucky stars for the rest of her life. lol

Expand full comment
Tree Langdon's avatar

This is sweet revenge: "And in peace and prosperity, she outlived all of them. "

Expand full comment
Linda Caroll's avatar

Right? I have to wonder how she felt when she saw the next wife beheaded. Probably thanked her lucky stars for the mishap that got her banished. lol

Expand full comment
Foerster's avatar

Fascinating—wonderful perspective!

Expand full comment
Linda Caroll's avatar

Thanks! : )

Expand full comment
Molly Kerr's avatar

I love this article so much, but I take issue with calling Anne of Cleves average based on her modernised portrait. She’s gorgeous. Maybe I have low standards for beauty but I really think her portraits show a very pretty, if not beautiful, woman. I’m so happy she survived and got to be rich. Good for her.

Expand full comment
Pablo Andreu's avatar

Yeah, and I'm sure Henry was a prize to behold. (*rolls eyes)

She could've benefited from an advisor who had the inside scoop. "Listen, Anne, Henry likes to dress up like other people to test you, so if you're randomly groped by a portly middle-aged man, go with it."

Expand full comment
Pamela Mabbott's avatar

There was also a tradition of the Royal births being witnessed, to ensure paternity and maternity. I will have to check out who, but during one such occasion it was rumoured that a baby was smuggled into the Royal bedchamber, in a bed warmer/bed pan.

Expand full comment
Pamela Mabbott's avatar

It was James Ii and his wife, in the 17th century. I tried to find a link that doesn't overwhelm you with stupid pop up ads 🤔☺️, I failed.

Expand full comment
Claudia Bantel's avatar

Really enjoyed this

Expand full comment
mari's avatar

You mean big fat discusting henry

Expand full comment
Shennae Davies's avatar

she kind of reminds me of Lacey Chabert

Expand full comment
NJ Simat 🤍's avatar

this was great, thanks!

Expand full comment
K.J. Wilsdon's avatar

Surely Henry would have been furious with Anne if she had accepted a stranger's kisses, when she was on the way to meet her bridegroom? I would have thought he would have been delighted that she could not be swayed. Though if she insulted his appearance, you can see why he was upset. Also loved seeing a modern version of a portrait.

Expand full comment
Ron's avatar

They used to play cards together into yhe night. Mustve been an intersting lady.

Expand full comment
Linda George's avatar

Oh, Henry. How stupid could one king be?

I once read an article that said Henry never bathed and never removed his clothes. They were sewn onto him. When they began to rot and fall apart, he had newer, grander clothing sewn on OVER THE ROT!

I'd love to know if that was true.

Wonderful story!

Hugs,

Linda

Expand full comment
Linda George's avatar

Ahhhh, Henry. What a pompous imbecile was he.

I once read (in only one article, so it cannot be trusted) that Henry never bathed or changed his clothes. He was sewn into them. When they began to rot and fall to pieces, he had new clothing sewn on OVER THE ROT!

I'd love to know if that was true.

Wonderful story!

Hugs,

Linda

Expand full comment
Jenine Baines's avatar

Wow. A screenplay beckons!

Expand full comment