Dr David Starkey reveals the stories behind Henry's third and fourth wives. Henry married Jane Seymour the day after Anne Boleyn's execution. She seemed to be a perfect contrast to Anne - modest, quiet and apparently demure.
Yet she played the game of sexual politics brilliantly by cultivating Henry and refusing to sleep with him until they were married. Finally, in 1537 Jane gave Henry what he had craved for so long - a healthy son, Prince Edward. The nation rejoiced. But Jane died of fever just 12 days later. Henry's new wife was Anne of Cleves, the stolid daughter of a German Duke.
Henry's first night with Anne was disastrous as he found her wholly unattractive, so much so that he was unable to have sex with her. Anne had to endure a humiliating divorce.
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