Henry VIII and His Six Wives Howard, Duke of Norfolk. Henry and Catherine marry, with Henry lavishing her with many gifts and jewels. Archbishop Thomas Cranmer then discovers that Catherine has had liaisons before her marriage, and presents this knowledge to Henry, who at first refuses to believe the charges. Cranmer secures a confession from Catherine, who also admits of an affair with Thomas Culpeper during her marriage to Henry. Catherine is beheaded. Henry, now elderly, approaches Catherine Parr, a widow from two previous marriages. Catherine is at first reluctant, citing her religious views which differ from Henry's, but Henry admits his need for companionship in
The Six Wives of Henry VIII Live at Hampton Court Palace with his band, The English Rock Ensemble, the Orchestra Europa and the English Chamber Choir. In 1973, Wakeman wrote to Hampton Court Palace requesting permission to stage a performance of his album "The Six Wives of Henry VIII". He was denied permission, only to have been invited to do so 35 years later in 2008. The DVD/BD version differs slightly from the CD, in that the CD version has the narration by Brian Blessed edited out, leaving only the music. The CD version also omits the tracks "Henry's Fanfare" and "Jayne's Prelude" The track "Defender of the Faith" was intended