Anne of Cleves
Letter to Henry VIII Regarding his Request for an Annulment
Pleaseth your most excellent majesty to
understand that, whereas, at sundry times heretofore, I have been informed and
perceived by certain lords and others your grace's council, of the doubts and
questions which have been moved and found in our marriage; and how hath petition
thereupon been made to your highness by your nobles and commons, that the same
might be examined and determined by the holy clergy of this realm; to testify to
your highness by my writing, that which I have before promised by my word and
will, that is to say, that the matter should be examined and determined by the
said clergy; it may please your majesty to know that, though this case must
needs be most hard and sorrowful unto me, for the great love which I bear to
your most noble person, yet, having more regard to God and his truth than to any
worldly affection, as it beseemed me, at the beginning, to submit me to such
examination and determination of the said clergy, whom I have and do accept for
judges competent in that behalf.<
P So now being ascertained how the same
clergy hath therein given their judgment and sentence, I acknowledge myself
hereby to accept and approve the same, wholly and entirely putting myself, for
my state and condition, to your highness' goodness and pleasure; most humbly
beseeching your majesty that, though it be determined that the pretended
matrimony between us is void and of none effect, whereby I neither can nor will
repute myself for your grace's wife, considering this sentence (whereunto I
stand) and your majesty's clean and pure living with me, yet it will please you
to take me for one of your humble servants, and so determine of me, as I may
sometimes have the fruition of your most noble presence; which as I shall esteem
for a great benefit, so, my lords and others of your majesty's council, now
being with me, have put me in comfort thereof; and that your highness will take
me for your sister; for the which I most humbly thank you accordingly.
Thus, most gracious prince, I beseech our Lord God to send your majesty long
life and good health, to God's glory, your own honor, and the wealth of this
noble realm.
From Richmond, the 11th day of July, the 32nd year of your majesty's most noble
reign.
Your majesty's most humble sister and servant, Anne the daughter of Cleves.
Below: The wax figure of Anne of Cleves in Madame Tussaud's
