The Tudors

Although Jane had been at court for more than 6 years having been a lady in waiting to both Queen Katherine of Aragon & Queen Anne Boleyn, Henry's interest was first recorded by Ambassador Chapuys in his letter of February 10th, 1536. In his previous letter of January 29th, he mentioned a rumour of a third marriage but as he then had no name & dismissed the tale even though from a "good authority'", the natural conclusion is that the matter was of fairly recent origin - indeed he termed it "une nouvelle amour" ( a new love). Within 3 months, Queen Anne would be beheaded & Jane would be betrothed to the King.

As historian David Starkey wrote, Jane had just as much religious fervor as Anne Boleyn but it was the opposite sentiment: while Anne was a "radical reformer", Jane was a supporter of the institution of the Catholic Church. Jane did not have the stellar education of Queen Katherine or Queen Anne, in fact she could only read and write her name, which was typical for women of her station at the time. Her skills included needlework and household management.

Jane's motto may have been "Bound to obey and serve," but Henry's third wife wasn't afraid to speak her mind. She frequently challenged him on issues—from his relationship with estranged daughter Mary to his punishment of the rebels in the North—but always kept her head. Perhaps it was because she delivered the male heir King Henry desperately sought. But their domestic bliss was short lived—Queen Jane died from complications soon after the birth of Prince Edward.