Anne Boleyn is one of the most infamous and tragic queens in history—and for good reason. Her courtship of King Henry VIII turned into the scandal of the century, with English law changing literally under her well-shod feet. But once Anne actually succeeded in becoming consort, her naughty fairy tale transformed into a vicious nightmare. One she would never make out alive.
1. She Came From A Powerful Family
In many ways, Anne Boleyn was born to be great. Her father Thomas Boleyn was a court favorite of the old King Henry VII, and the Boleyns were one of Britain's top families at the time. Indeed, her father was constantly going on diplomatic missions all around Europe as she grew up—and this led Anne to one big date with destiny.
2. She Had A Cunning Mentor
When Anne was just 12 years old, her father's power paid off in a big way. Margaret of Austria, the daughter of the Holy Roman Emperor, did the Boleyns a solid and invited Anne to join her in her court. She wasn't disappointed: Margaret was soon affectionately calling Anne her "little Boleyn" and taking her everywhere. It was a big step up for the girl, but her next step brought her right next to Henry VIII.
