Henry VIII and His Six Wives

On his deathbed, Henry VIII reflects on his long reign and the pivotal role his six marriages played in shaping England. Surrounded by family and courtiers, he revisits key memories and the choices that defined his rule. The scene frames the film's flashback structure, linking past events to his final hours.

The couple celebrate the birth of their son, only to learn he dies soon after. Henry and Catherine mourn together, clinging to hope for another heir. In the years that follow, Catherine bears only Mary, a living daughter.

Henry confides to Thomas More that he fears the marriage is cursed by God, since Catherine's prior betrothal to Arthur raises doubts of consummation. The couple's personal life and dynastic hopes become entangled with religious concerns. These doubts haunt their union for years.

Henry presses the Vatican to annul his marriage. When the pope resists, he removes Cardinal Wolsey from power and declares himself head of the Church of England. The marriage to Catherine is annulled, Catherine is sent away, and Anne Boleyn rises as queen. Anne's position sets the stage for future upheavals at court.

Anne is crowned queen, but she fails to produce a male heir. Henry's interest in her wanes as she gives birth to Elizabeth. With this shift in favor, Henry begins to turn his attention toward Jane Seymour.

Thomas Cromwell orchestrates a false case of Anne's infidelity with various men, including her brother George Boleyn. The charges lead to Anne's execution in the Tower of London. Her downfall dramatically reshapes Henry's court and future alliances.

Henry marries Jane Seymour, who wins Henry's favor and briefly stabilizes the realm. Jane helps restore Princess Mary to royal favor and advocates pardons for participants in the Pilgrimage of Grace. Jane gives birth to Edward, Henry's long-awaited male heir, but dies soon after.

Cromwell pushes for a German Protestant bride, Anne of Cleves, and Henry approves her portrait. Upon her arrival, Henry finds that the likeness does not match his expectations, and the marriage proceeds reluctantly. The political maneuvering that sustained Cromwell begins to unravel as his influence wanes.

The marriage to Anne of Cleves ends in annulment. Cromwell's political maneuvering collapses, and he is arrested at the Privy Council. The court mood shifts as power realigns around the king.

Henry is drawn to Catherine Howard, young cousin of Anne Boleyn. Her uncle, Duke of Norfolk, pressures her to return his affections. Cranmer uncovers Catherine's prior affairs; she confesses and is beheaded.

Henry marries Catherine Parr, who brings religious openness and companionship in his old age. She becomes a loving stepmother to Mary, Elizabeth, and Edward, and helps shape the later royal lineage. The couple's partnership provides the king with solace in his final years.

Archbishop Cranmer is summoned to hear Henry's final confession as the end of his reign approaches. Henry dies holding Catherine Parr's hand, with Princess Mary at his side.