A Royal Romance: King Henry VIII’s Love Letter to Anne Boleyn
In the early 1520s, King Henry VIII wrote a heartfelt letter to Anne Boleyn, a lady-in-waiting at the English court. This particular letter is Letter #15 in a famous series of seventeen love letters that Henry sent to Anne during their courtship. These letters offer a rare, intimate glimpse into the personal side of the king, beyond the grandeur and political intrigue of the Tudor court.
Henry’s correspondence with Anne is more than mere romance. It reflects a period when personal letters were a medium of both affection and influence, a subtle dance of persuasion and passion. This letter, in particular, is cherished for its raw emotional intensity and the intimate insight it provides into one of history’s most famous royal relationships.
🖋️ The Full Letter
“
"Mine own sweetheart,
This shall be to advertise you of the great elengeness (loneliness) that I find here since your departing; for, I ensure you, methinketh the time longer since your departing now last, than I was wont to do a whole fortnight.
I think your kindness and my fervency of love causeth it; for, otherwise, I would not have thought it possible that for so little a while it should have grieved me.
But now that I am coming towards you, methinketh my pains be half removed; and also I am right well comforted in so much that my book maketh substantially for my matter; in looking whereof I have spent above four hours this day, which caused me now to write the shorter letter to you at this time, because of some pain in my head, wishing myself (especially in an evening) in my sweetheart’s arms, whose pretty dukkys (breasts) I trust shortly to kiss.
Written by the hand of him which was, is, and shall be yours by his will,
H. R."
“
(Source: Maidens and Manuscripts – Henry VIII’s Love Letters)
🖼️ Visual Reference
Love Letter number 15; sent by King Henry to Anne Boleyn
(Source:- Pen Haven)
This image displays the original manuscript of Henry VIII’s letter to Anne Boleyn, offering a tangible connection to this intimate piece of history. Notice the handwritten script and careful wording which were the hallmarks of 16th-century correspondence.
Why This Letter is Interesting
Historical Insight: The letter reveals Henry VIII’s personality beyond the monarchical facade: his affection, vulnerability, and even a touch of humor are evident.
Cultural Context: Letters were a critical medium for courtship in the 16th century. This letter demonstrates how love, politics, and social etiquette intersected.
Human Connection: Despite his power, Henry expresses longing and emotional struggle, making him relatable across centuries.
Romantic Boldness: The letter includes intimate expressions unusual for the period, which makes it particularly fascinating to historians and literary enthusiasts alike.
Lettre’s Reflection
Through the lens of Lettre, this letter shows how personal correspondence serves as a portal into history. Unlike official decrees or public speeches, letters like Henry’s offer private perspectives on events and relationships. They humanize iconic figures, revealing their desires, fears, and passions.
The letter also highlights the enduring power of handwritten communication. In an age of instant messaging, the slow, deliberate act of composing a letter. Carefully choosing words, folding the paper, and sending it across distances creates a sense of intimacy that digital messages can rarely match.
Conclusion
This particular love letter sent by Henry VIII’s to Anne Boleyn is more than a romantic artifact, it is a window into the human side of history. Through its words, we witness a king’s longing, the subtleties of Tudor courtship, and the timeless impact of personal correspondence. Letters like this remind us that behind every historical figure lies a deeply human story, waiting to be discovered, reflected upon, and shared.
