Who is Anna of Cleves from The Wives of Henry VIII and what is their importance?

Anna of Cleves was Henry's fourth wife. Their marriage was based on a political alliance. Anna, however, did not resemble the portrait Henry was shown, and when she arrived at court, he was appalled by her ugliness and blamed the artist who had obviously portrayed her in a more attractive light. Their marriage was brief (less than six months) and never consumated. Anna was happy to allow Henry the divorce with the understanding that she would not be sent home and could remain in England. The two became great friends and had a close, sibling-like, relationship.