Anne of Cleeves

She was also apparently very daft and flighty

Broadway cast of SIX

Allegedly, when she first saw him in person, she couldn't mask her shock at the reality of his old fat ass quick enough, and THAT is why he rejected her, turning the story around so she was the ugly one. However, he gave her a generous deal in the divorce and apparently they became quite close friends. Honestly, she got the best deal out of all of his wives.

She was very happy with the settlement too, as it meant she wouldn't have to go back to the Puritan court of Cleves.

After Henry divorced (and executed) fifth wife Katherine Howard, Anne hoped he might take her back. She was disappointed when Henry married sixth wife Katherine Parr and held a grudge against Parr. Anne had the last laugh of all the wives. Katherine Parr died in childbirth in 1548 a year after Henry died, and Anne lived on until 1557, dying at age 41. Only Catherine of Aragon had had a longer life of the wives

[quote]Honestly, she got the best deal out of all of his wives.

That happens when you keep your head while all those about you are losing theirs.

She got to live a very comfy live in England, being referred to as the King's "dear sister". If she had went back to Cleve, she would probably have been married off to some irrelevant count and the like.

Portraits royal and otherwise were often stylized ideals, taking great liberties with actual truth. But then again we're speaking of a painting, not a photograph. Besides person paying for the painting would obviously not want to be seen in a bad light. When that someone was a king with a temper, well you watched your step...

Anne of Cleves was 24 years old when she married 48 year old Henry in January 1540. She may not have been a svelte beauty like Anne Boleyn, but Henry wasn't exactly the handsome young buck he was twenty years ago either.

By this time Henry was overweight, had a fat face with beady eyes, and likely stank like a rank goat. An old wound in his leg (jousting injury IIRC), had never healed and over years grew into a festering horrible thing. The king's doctors feared the leg would sooner or later have to be amputated...

Strike one against Anne of C. came after the princess and her party arrived in England.

Henry playing ever the romantic dressed himself up as a courtier (going to woo his lady). Upon entering chamber where Anne of C and her ladies were waiting, Henry didn't get the expected reaction. Anne was looking out of a window and paid no attention to the gentleman. Her ladies and others in room (from Germany) ignored the king as well. Henry looked nothing like his portrait, and Anne of C. didn't recognize him from Adam.

Totally pissed off Henry marched out and changed into royal purple robes. Once again he went into chamber where Anne of C was waiting, and this time the princess and her court responded correctly, but only because of the royal purple indicating who Henry was....

Things just didn't get better for Anne, nor Henry for that matter.

Anne of C. was a big German girl, Henry liked his women slim... Anne of C. had been brought up to be a proper German high born lady. She didn't sing (at least not in public), didn't play a musical instrument, and in short was not very accomplished compared to English ladies.