Who Succeeded King Henry VIII?

Henry VIII’s reign is often known primarily for his splitting of England from the papacy and the many mistresses and wives he had during his time on the throne. Who succeeded King Henry VIII when he died?

King Henry VIII was succeeded by his only legitimate son, Edward VI. Edward was only ten years when he took control of the throne in 1547.

Edward was was a sickly child and died five years later from a lung infection. 

Often considered the first protestant king of Europe, Edward VI surrounded himself with advisors that were passionate about furthering Protestantism throughout England. 

Some remember Edward as a weak, sickly child who was way in over his head, surrounded by advisors who largely controlled the decision making of the throne. Others look at Edward as a bright, promising child who could have become a powerful ruler of England. 

Read on to learn more about Henry VIII’s children and the rule of Edward VI.

Henry VIII

Henry VIII had six wives throughout his time on the English throne. Two were executed for adultery and treason, two divorced from him, one died giving birth, and one outlived him.

His first wife, Catherine of Aragon, had five miscarriages before finally giving birth to Mary I. His second wife, Anne Boleyn had two miscarriages before finally giving birth to Elizabeth I. 

Both of his daughters would end up on the throne as Queens after Henry’s death. His third wife, Jane Seymour, gave birth to Edward VI, his only legitimate son. 

Henry VIII had one illegitimate son named Henry Fitzroy whom he conceived with a mistress. Henry VIII eventually granted him a dukedom. It is suspected that he had several other illegitimate children.

Henry VIII had grown very obese and unhealthy by the end of his reign, with many scholars suggesting that he probably suffered from type two diabetes. By the time of his death, he had four legitimate children and no grandchildren.

He requested that he be buried next to Queen Jane Seymour, who died during the birth of Edward VI.

King Edward VI

Henry VIII was succeeded by his 10-year-old son, Edward VI who ruled from 1547 to 1553. Edward was very well educated and pampered by his parents during his childhood.

Edward VI was crowned as the first Protestant King of England and sought to further Protestantism throughout England.

As Edward began to die from a lung infection suspected to be Tuberculosis, he renounced both of his sisters as illegitimate, especially Mary who was Catholic and perceived as a threat to the Protestant cause.

Edward instead named Lady Jane Grey as his successor upon his death at 15 years old. His wish was not granted as both of his sisters would take the throne in the coming years. 

Mary Tudor, whom Henry conceived with Queen Catherine, became queen after Edward’s death in 1553 until her death in 1558.

Elizabeth was birthed by Anne Boleyn and eventually declared illegitimate by Henry. She would be crowned queen in 1558 after Mary’s death and rule the throne until her death in 1603.