Profile of the Day: Henry VIII of England

Posted June 28, 2022 by Amanda | No Comment

On June 28, 1491, Henry VIII was born at Greenwich. The second son of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York, Henry was not expected to become king. However, the sudden death of his brother, Arthur, in 1502 made Henry the heir-apparent.

Image: Henry VIII of England / Paul Hermans, Wikimedia Commons

Still intent on securing an alliance between England and Spain, Henry VII offered Henry in marriage to Arthur’s widow, Catherine of Aragon, the youngest surviving child of King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella I of Castile. After the death of his father in 1509, Henry ascended to the throne and married Catherine, who would be the first of his six wives. Henry’s reign saw vast changes in England, including the English Reformation, which separated the Church of England from papal authority.

Henry VIII died on January 28, 1547 at the age of 55. He was succeeded by his son, Edward VI.

Explore Henry VIII of England’s family tree on Geni and share how you’re connected to the Tudor monarch.

View Henry VIII of England’s Geni Profile

Post written by Amanda

Amanda is the Marketing Communications Manager at Geni. If you need any assistance, she will be happy to help!

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