Anne could claim 'descent of right noble and high thorough regal blood' because her mother came from that illustrious and noble Norfolk family, the Howards, but as we will see, Anne's descent was not noble enough to secure her the match that she really wanted.
She captured the attention of the King at a young age. Captivated by her dark and mysterious beauty, he was also impressed with her sophistication. This was acquired at the Court of the Archduchess Margaret Regent of the Netherlands, where Anne was sent at 12 or 13. Here she met other 'dames et demoiselles d'honneur' from Spain and France, and learned to speak French. Her intelligence and charm together with her fluent French then secured her a place at the court in France of Henry VIII's sister, Mary, the Queen of France, who was married to Louis XII.
Anne stayed on to attend the new Queen, Claude, after Mary's departure to England.
Anne loved the beautiful French language, music and poetry and didn't want to leave.. In about 1521, however, Anne was sent back to England, to Queen Catherine's court, where a suitable marriage would be arranged.
Anne was not the 'English rose' with fair hair and blue eyes, so favoured in those days. She had olive skin, thick long dark-brown tresses, and beautiful black eyes. She also had a long and elegant neck, which she rather prized.
She was thought to be a witch by some because of her powerful attraction for the King, but it is doubtful that she had the large mole on her neck that is so often described. The frequently-mentioned sixth finger is also doubtful. Anne's attraction for the King who liked beautiful women caused her to have many enemies.
Before Anne caught the King's attention , she fell in love with handsome young Henry, Lord Percy, and 5th Earl of Northumberland. His family, expecting a more suitable match, was horrified. Anne was not an heiress and they thought she did not come from a good enough family. Although Anne probably had a precontract or promise of marriage with Henry, who was madly in love with her, Cardinal Wolsey, probably directed by the King, ended the romance.. Anne hated Wolsey with a great passion afterwards, and poor Henry was ordered to marry Lady Mary Talbot, a union that was to be unhappy.
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