King Henry VIII married Anne of Cleves in January 1540 as part of a political strategy to secure alliances with German Protestant states. The union was orchestrated by Thomas Cromwell, who believed that a marriage to a Protestant princess would solidify England's ties with the continent. However, upon meeting Anne, Henry was reportedly disappointed by her appearance, finding her less attractive than the portrait created by Hans Holbein the Younger that had originally swayed him. This disappointment soon translated into a failure to consummate the marriage, leading Henry to seek an annulment just six months after their wedding.

The annulment was formalized on July 9, 1540, with the court declaring the marriage invalid due to its non-consummation. Additionally, it was posited that Anne had been previously promised to another man, which further complicated the validity of their union. Anne was treated with respect following the annulment and was provided with a substantial settlement, as well as the title of the King’s sister, which allowed her to retain her status within the court.

This event marked a significant moment in Tudor England, leading to the eventual downfall of Thomas Cromwell, who had arranged the marriage. It also illustrated Henry’s desperate need to secure a powerful alliance, as well as his increasingly personal and subjective approach to marriage, which would continue to shape his subsequent unions with Catherine Howard and Catherine Parr.