 Having considered the matter , Cromwell , now Earl of Essex , suggested Anne , the 25 @-@ year @-@ old sister of the Duke of Cleves , who was seen as an important ally in case of a Roman Catholic attack on England , for the duke fell between Lutheranism and Catholicism . Hans Holbein the Younger was dispatched to Cleves to paint a portrait of Anne for the king . Despite speculation that Holbein painted her in an overly flattering light , it is more likely that the portrait was accurate ; Holbein remained in favour at court . After seeing Holbein 's portrait , and urged on by the complimentary description of Anne given by his courtiers , the 49 @-@ year @-@ old king agreed to wed Anne . However , it was not long before Henry wished to annul the marriage so he could marry another . Anne did not argue , and confirmed that the marriage had never been consummated . Anne 's previous betrothal to the Duke of Lorraine 's son provided further grounds for the annulment . The marriage was subsequently dissolved , and Anne received the title of " The King 's Sister " , two houses and a generous allowance . It was soon clear that Henry had fallen for the 17 @-@ year @-@ old Catherine Howard , the Duke of Norfolk 's niece , the politics of which worried Cromwell , for Norfolk was a political opponent . 
