Henry's first two wives, Catherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn, had failed to produce the much coveted male heir. Although each had produced a daughter, later Mary I and Elizabeth I, the King was desperate for a male heir to ensure the succession and the Tudor dynasty. His third wife, Jane Seymour, had given birth to a son (Edward I) but she had died soon after from complications with childbirth. On advice from his counsellors, primarily Thomas Cromwell, the King married Anne of Cleves. It was hoped that a Protestant marriage would consolidate the English reformation, and that Anne would produce another son to ensure the succession should anything happen to Edward. On arrival at court, Henry instantly disliked Anne, referring to her privately as a "Flanders mare".
The marriage was dissolved amicably, on the grounds of non-consummation (testified by Anne herself) and of Anne's precontract to marry the Duke of Lorraine. After the annulment Henry and Anne maintained good relations, and Anne was present to welcome Mary and Elizabeth into London in 1533, and at Mary I's coronation at Westminster.
