LETTER : Real Anne

Mary Saaler
Saturday 22 July 1995 23:02 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

I WAS disappointed to read time-worn myths about Anne of Cleves on the anniversary of her death (The List, 16 July).

Her father, John, Duke of Cleves, was not a Protestant prince. He was a Catholic all his life. Her brother William (not her brother-in-law) suggested that Holbein should paint her portrait. There are various portraits of her, all showing similar features, which suggests that Holbein's painting was realistic, not a "flattering result". She died in the reign of Queen Mary (not Elizabeth), who provided a magnificent funeral for her, but much of it was at Anne's expense. Anne has had "a bad press", and it is time to redress the balance.

Mary Saaler

(Anne of Cleves' biographer) Caterham, Surrey

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in