On this day in Tudor history, 1532 Henry and Anne set sail
from Dover bound for Calais. It was to be the first time Anne was presented on
the international stage as Henry’s intended bride, despite the fact that he was
still married to Catherine of Aragon. In preparation for Anne acting as his
consort on this trip, abroad Henry had raised her to the rank of Marquis and
presented her with a large collection jewels and new dresses to wear while in
France.
The purpose of this trip was multi-faceted; to renew the
friendship between England and France as well as to serve as a public showing
of King Francis’ approval of Henry’s intended plans for marriage to Anne. Anne
and Henry hoped that Francis would agree to meet with the Pope on their behalf
to encourage a quick annulment of Henry’s first marriage for the sake of the
Church and peace in Europe. Francis assured Henry of his support and in turn
Henry, confident that a resolution of his Great Matter was coming soon, began a
sexual relationship with Anne. Anne conceived
before Francis had a chance to appeal to the Pope resulting in the hasty
crowning of Anne as queen of England.
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