The 12th April 1533, Easter Saturday, was an important day for Anne Boleyn and also for Henry VIII, it was the first time that Anne appeared in public as Queen. The Venetian ambassador reported:-
“This morning of Easter Eve, the Marchioness Anne went with the King to high mass, as Queen, and with all the pomp of a Queen, clad in cloth of gold, and loaded (carga) with the richest jewels; and she dined in public; although they have not yet proclaimed the decision of the Parliament [Convocation].”
Eustace Chapuys, the Imperial ambassador, also reported this event to his master, Charles V:-
“On Saturday, Easter Eve, dame Anne went to mass in Royal state, loaded with jewels, clothed in a robe of cloth of gold friese. The daughter of the duke of Norfolk, who is affianced to the duke of Richmond, carried her train ; and she had in her suite 60 young ladies, and was brought to church, and brought back with the solemnities, or even more, which were used to the Queen. She has changed her name from Marchioness to Queen, and the preachers offered prayers for her by name. All the world is astonished at it for it looks like a dream, and even those who take her part know not whether to laugh or to cry. The King is very watchful of the countenance of the people, and begs the lords to go and visit and make their court to the new Queen, whom he intends to have solemnly crowned after Easter, when he will have feastings and tournaments ; and some think that Clarencieux went four days ago to France to invite gentlemen at arms to the tourney, after the example of Francis, who did so at his nuptials. I know not whether this will be before or after, but the King has secretly appointed with the archbishop of Canterbury that of his office, without any other pressure, he shall cite the King as having two wives ; and upon this, without summoning the Queen, he will declare that he was at liberty to marry as he has done without waiting for a dispensation or sentence of any kind.”
Anne Boleyn was dressed as Queen, she accompanied her husband the King, she had a royal household, her predecessor had been demoted, she was married to the King, she was pregnant, Henry VIII had ordered his council to recognise her as queen, her coronation was being organised and Cranmer was handling Henry and Catherine’s annulment – Anne Boleyn had made it! She’d arrived! The crown was in reach!
Source
- Calendar of State Papers, Venice iv. 870
- Letters & Papers vi. 531
