The mysterious case of Henry VIII's stolen love letters: A tale of romance, theft and intrigue leaves us with a collection of love letters penned by Henry VIII to Anne Boleyn. It's unknown exactly how these treasured correspondences found their way into the Vatican Library. They were presumably stolen from Anne to reveal her secret affair with the King. While Anne's replies to these passionate letters remain undiscovered, Henry's words give us a glimpse into his romantic side and intense love for Anne.
Feel free to delve into these letters by clicking on the links provided. I've arranged them based on their appearance in John W Luce and Company's 1906 book rather than the order of the Harleian Miscellany. As noted by J. O. Halliwell Philipps, this sequence does the context of the letters justice.
- Love Letter 1 – Written sometime after Anne Boleyn had retired to Hever after May 1527.
- Love Letter 2: Expressions of Longing
- Love Letter 3: Promises of Commitment
- Love Letter 4: Deepening of Feelings
- Love Letter 5: The King's Joy in July 1527
- Love Letter 6: July 1527 Confessions of a King
- Love Letter 7: An Uncertain February in 1528
- Love Letter 8: A Heartfelt Promise - June 16th, 1528
- Love Letter 9: A Desire Unfolds - June 20th, 1528
- Love Letter 10 – June 22nd 1528
- Love Letter 11 – July 1528
- Love Letter 12 – July 20th 1528
- Love Letter 13 – July 21st 1528
- Love Letter 14 – August 1528
- Love Letter 15 – August 20th 1528
- Love Letter 16 – September 16th 1528
- Love Letter 17 – End October 1528