In 1536 Anne Boleyn fell out of favour with the king, and Norris, as a close confidant and supporter, was immediately put at risk. The growing threat was a consequence of the negotiations which were being carried out with the French ambassador at Greenwich on 18 April 1536. It was clear to Thomas Cromwell that Anne Boleyn and her associates stood in the way of what he sought to achieve and the King's approval he started to investigate and to secure evidence for charges of treason to be laid against Anne, Norris, and four other courtiers (Mark Smeaton, Sir William Brereton, Sir Francis Weston and Anne's brother George).