War looms with France and Spain aligning against England with backing from Rome, so Henry agrees to a politically fortuitous marriage with Anne of Cleves (Joss Stone), a plain and unsophisticated German aristocrat he has never met.

Matchmaking begins in earnest. Cromwell schemes to secure the Reformation by marrying Henry to a Protestant wife – but the king’s marital reputation precedes him across Europe. The condition of Henry’s wounded leg turns life-threatening.

Directed By: Jeremy Podeswa
Written By: Michael Hirst

From Bill Harris of Sun Media:

• Joss Stone looks the part
  “Anne of Cleves makes her first appearance in this week’s episode — kinda, sorta. She is seen in a heavy veil, and by the time next week’s episode rolls around, the suspense leading up to the actual sight of her face is thick indeed, both for the audience and for Henry VIII, played by Jonathan Rhys Meyers.” Read more.

Henry remains in seclusion while mourning the queen’s death, an opportunity that enemies of the crown seize to murder several friends of the court. Cromwell is disturbed when Henry allows his new church similarities to Catholicism.