As Henry made his way through years of various foreign alliances and diplomatic efforts, it was his marital merry-go-round that really shaped his reign. Various family members and wives filled the court and sounded the opposition.

In addition to a succession of wives through his reign, Henry VIII also had a wide variety of in-laws. From Kings and Queens to rising courtiers, Henry's in-laws provided him with eager supporters and unwelcome resisters, depending on his relationship with a particular wife.

According to the rhyme, just one of Henry's wives survived the big guy: Katherine Parr. But actually there was another: Anne of Cleves. She turned out to be the most successful of all his ex-wives, turning her post-marriage life into a time of wealth and extravagance.

History shows us what's possible.