Who was Henry's least favourite wife?

Henry VIII’s “Least Favourite” – But Not for the Reasons You Think

When people talk about Henry VIII’s six wives, one name often stands out as the “least favourite”: Anne of Cleves. But not because of hatred or tragedy—quite the opposite. Anne was the wife Henry divorced without bitterness, and surprisingly, they remained on friendly terms afterward.

Married in 1540 as part of a political alliance, Henry was reportedly disappointed when he first saw Anne in person, claiming she didn’t live up to her portrait. Famously, he called her his “Flanders mare,” a cruel jab often repeated in popular history. Yet, despite this, the marriage was peacefully annulled after just six months—without accusations of adultery, beheading, or scandal.

The truth is, Anne handled her situation with remarkable grace. She accepted the annulment, stepped back from court life, and enjoyed a generous settlement from the king. She even stayed in contact with Henry, who referred to her as his “beloved sister.” She outlived all of his other wives, living comfortably in England until her death in 1557.

So why is she considered the "least popular"? Not because she was disliked, but because she didn’t play a dramatic role in the Tudor saga. No executions, no fiery romance, no religious martyrdom—just quiet dignity and political pragmatism. In a story full of extremes, Anne’s calm exit from history might be why she’s remembered as the forgotten queen.

But perhaps she was the smartest of them all. She survived—not just physically, but with her reputation intact and her future secure. In a king’s court where love was fleeting and danger was constant, that was no small victory.