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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2010
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Henry VIII Hooked on Women: Historian

Reared in feminine household, Henry king became 'emotionally dependent' on women

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(Newser) – Henry VIII may have been cruel to some of the women in his life, but he was "emotionally dependent" on them, according to a top expert on the oft-married king. Being raised in a feminine household after the death of his dad led Henry to fall in love and marry so many. "He was the only boy and became emotionally dependent on women. Or, to put it more bluntly, he was emotionally incontinent," said historian David Starkey.

"He could never be without women and was always falling in love. He also married, at least most of his six wives, for love. It's just that he would also fall out of love."

Circa 1530, Henry VIII surrounded by his six wives, clockwise from top, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard, Anne Boleyn, Catherine of Aragon, Catherine Parr and Jane Seymour.
Circa 1530, Henry VIII surrounded by his six wives, clockwise from top, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard, Anne Boleyn, Catherine of Aragon, Catherine Parr and Jane Seymour.   (Getty Images)
Painting by Hans Holbein the Younger of Henry VIII (1491-1547) with his daughter Princess Mary (1516-1558) and Jester William Somers,
Painting by Hans Holbein the Younger of Henry VIII (1491-1547) with his daughter Princess Mary (1516-1558) and Jester William Somers,   (Getty Images)
Circa 1509, Henry VIII's first wife, Catherine of Aragon, (1485-1536).
Circa 1509, Henry VIII's first wife, Catherine of Aragon, (1485-1536).   (Getty Images)
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NutsInNY
Mar 16, 09 5:29 AM CDT
Barbie Benton was his only wife I knew by name -- I thought she was a keeper -- but I lost track after her. Reply
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PosterNutbag
Mar 16, 09 1:08 PM CDT
I'd say he had an eating disorder too, and probably was an alcoholic. Its hard being a king... Reply
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boom
Mar 17, 09 3:32 AM CDT
Emotionally dependent? Wasn't this all about engendering a male heir? I think Starkey's the one who's incontinent... Reply
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