Anne of Cleves Knew How To Play The Game Too
Henry VIII didn’t want to marry Anne of Cleves. He wasn’t attracted to her, and his eye was wandering (again) to young, vibrant Catherine Howard. Henry petitioned for divorce after only six months. Anne accepted without a fight. Henry, likely taken aback at her ease in accepting the divorce, was generous with his parting gifts; houses, money, the title of ‘sister’ and retaining royal status.
They were apparently more friendly after their divorce than during their marriage. But Anne got in a little shade at Henry; upon accepting his divorce offer, she gave Henry back her wedding ring, and told him to break it up as a ‘thing with no meaning or value.’
