2009.9.B.2 - "Just because we're married doesn't mean we have to actually have sex."
((A letter sent to both Cardinal Wolsey and Sir Thomas More.))
My dearest friends and most trusted advisors,
On this, the eve of my wedding to the Lady Anne Boleyn, I find myself desiring a kind of confession. I wish for there to be no misconceptions and misapprehensions regarding my impending marriage and my former one to the late Queen Katherine.
It of course should be quite understood that this missive is meant for your eyes and your eyes only, gentlemen, and should not see the light of day before any others.
I suppose that it is no secret within the walls of the palace that in the latter days of Queen Katherine's reign that she and I were not as happily married as when our days began. While it is true that I held Katherine in the highest regard and respect and also that I knew a great deal of affection for her as a person, a friend and the mother of my beloved daughter Mary, I must disclose that I was no longer a man in romantic love.
It is important that you both understand that my falling out of love with Katherine occurred years before her passing, God rest her soul, and was not a recent development.
For the good of the crown and England, I did what I could to remain a good husband and a better King. I allowed no semblance of the distance between us to be observed by the world outside of Whitehall, and maintained the most cordial and affectionate of behaviours within these walls. And yes, I found what comfort I could.
I love the Lady Anne with all my very heart and soul. If the truth be told, it is with more fervour and passion and sincerity than with which I loved Katherine. The Lady Anne is the other part of my soul, I truly believe, and I would have no other Queen than she. I pass to you both an admonition that you treat your new Queen as you did the old, with all attendant respect and love that she, as your Queen, deserves and expects.
Mr. Cromwell informs me that after the mourning period and the reports that have reached the citizenry that the people of England are ready to accept their new Queen, and you will both be instrumental in ensuring that. You will do all you can to ensure that.
In turn, I swear to you both, and to the realm by extension, that Queen Anne and I will do all we can to be the most loving, most fair and most responsible monarchs that this great and powerful nation could desire. With her reigning at my side, I see golden days. I see great happiness. And yes, I see an heir to the throne.
So then, gentlemen and friends, I wish you both happiness and ask that you wish me good fortune. I go now to sleep, this night before my wedding, with my heart full of love for you both and full of confidence that we will work together for a better England.
-HR
(519)
((A letter sent to both Cardinal Wolsey and Sir Thomas More.))
My dearest friends and most trusted advisors,
On this, the eve of my wedding to the Lady Anne Boleyn, I find myself desiring a kind of confession. I wish for there to be no misconceptions and misapprehensions regarding my impending marriage and my former one to the late Queen Katherine.
It of course should be quite understood that this missive is meant for your eyes and your eyes only, gentlemen, and should not see the light of day before any others.
I suppose that it is no secret within the walls of the palace that in the latter days of Queen Katherine's reign that she and I were not as happily married as when our days began. While it is true that I held Katherine in the highest regard and respect and also that I knew a great deal of affection for her as a person, a friend and the mother of my beloved daughter Mary, I must disclose that I was no longer a man in romantic love.
It is important that you both understand that my falling out of love with Katherine occurred years before her passing, God rest her soul, and was not a recent development.
For the good of the crown and England, I did what I could to remain a good husband and a better King. I allowed no semblance of the distance between us to be observed by the world outside of Whitehall, and maintained the most cordial and affectionate of behaviours within these walls. And yes, I found what comfort I could.
I love the Lady Anne with all my very heart and soul. If the truth be told, it is with more fervour and passion and sincerity than with which I loved Katherine. The Lady Anne is the other part of my soul, I truly believe, and I would have no other Queen than she. I pass to you both an admonition that you treat your new Queen as you did the old, with all attendant respect and love that she, as your Queen, deserves and expects.
Mr. Cromwell informs me that after the mourning period and the reports that have reached the citizenry that the people of England are ready to accept their new Queen, and you will both be instrumental in ensuring that. You will do all you can to ensure that.
In turn, I swear to you both, and to the realm by extension, that Queen Anne and I will do all we can to be the most loving, most fair and most responsible monarchs that this great and powerful nation could desire. With her reigning at my side, I see golden days. I see great happiness. And yes, I see an heir to the throne.
So then, gentlemen and friends, I wish you both happiness and ask that you wish me good fortune. I go now to sleep, this night before my wedding, with my heart full of love for you both and full of confidence that we will work together for a better England.
-HR
(519)