Expert: Mark Smith - 11/15/2011

Question
What was the reason for King Henry VIII's ill-treatment towards his wives?

Thank you.  Carol Dwyer

Answer
Hello Carol.
Katherine of Aragon failed to produce a son and when Henry sought a divorce to marry Anne Boleyn Katherine refused to "go quietly". He had to resort to setting up his own Church just so he could divorce himself.
Anne Boleyn too failed to produce a son, so Henry needed a way to get rid of her when his attention was taken by Jane Seymour.
No problems with Jane Seymour.
Anne of Cleves wasn't the beauty he thought she was, so a hasty annulment was arranged, at least she "went quietly".
Henry was persuaded that Katherine Howard was unfaithful to him, so she had to pay the price.
No problems with Katherine Parr.

Mark