Henry VIII's fourth wife, Anne of Cleves, was of German nationality. She was born in 1515 in the Duchy of Cleves, which is located in present-day Germany. Anne of Cleves was chosen as a bride for Henry VIII in 1540 as part of a political alliance between England and the Duchy of Cleves. Despite being of German descent, Anne of Cleves had strong ties to the royal families of Europe. Her brother, William, was a powerful ruler in the region and had close relationships with other European monarchs. This made Anne of Cleves a desirable match for Henry VIII, who was seeking to strengthen his alliances on the continent. Anne of Cleves arrived in England in December 1539 and was married to Henry VIII in January 1540. However, the marriage was short-lived and was annulled after just six months. Henry VIII claimed that he was not attracted to Anne and that their marriage had never been consummated. Anne of Cleves agreed to the annulment and was given a generous settlement, including several properties and a substantial income. Despite the annulment, Anne of Cleves remained in England and was treated with respect by Henry VIII. She was given the title of "The King's Sister" and was included in court ceremonies and events. Anne of Cleves outlived Henry VIII and went on to live a relatively peaceful and prosperous life in England. Today, Anne of Cleves is remembered as one of Henry VIII's most fortunate wives, as she was able to escape a marriage that could have ended in divorce or even death. Her nationality and background have made her a popular figure in German history, and she is often celebrated as a symbol of diplomacy and political savvy. For more information on Anne of Cleves and her marriage to Henry VIII, you can visit the following websites: - [HistoryExtra - Anne of Cleves](www.historyextra.com/period/tudor/anne-of-cleves-henry-viii-fourth-wife/) - [The Anne of Cleves Foundation](www.anneofclevesfoundation.com)

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