Maintaining Links with the Netherlands - strong links vital because the English cloth trade depended heavily on the Antwerp cloth market. Controlled by the Holy Roman Emperor, Henry was allied w/ in all wars against France.

Peacemaker of Europe - under the guidance of Wolsey, Henry pursued the option of honour through mediating peace. Treaty of London.

Honour & Glory - mindset of a medieval nobility, psychologically geared to achieving this through war. David Potter has questioned how much of this talk of 'honour' was mere rhetoric, but L. B. Smith are convinced the quest for honour underpinned Henry's character.

Securing his Dynasty - engagements between his daughter Mary and Charles V, attempts to secure the marriage of his son Edward to Mary, Queen of Scots in the 1540s. Unsuccessful.

Ambitious & Aggressive Policy Towards the French - all English kings since Edward III had claimed the title of King of France. Henry's impulses towards a war were driven by xenophobia felt be aristocrats and common soldiers, who were keener to campaign in France than anywhere else. Strategically damaging threat of the 'auld alliance'.

Collecting his Pension - demand for pension more constant than quest for honour? Pension was the amount that France agreed to pay the English King every year to compensate him for the English lands lost in France. Total paid by the French in Henry VIII’s reign - £730,379.

Prestige - intensely concerned about his reputation, had the ambition to be regarded as "the most goodliest prince that ever reigned over the realm of England". Historical competition with Henry V, remembered as the "flower and glory of all knighthood".

When Anne was 12, had been betrothed to the son of the Duke of Lorraine. Agreement had been cancelled, but Henry and his lawyers were able to argue that the marriage was invalid.

Cromwell could find no legitimate reason to break the marriage contract.

When Henry offered to honour Anne as his sister - precedence over all the ladies of the court, lucrative sum, houses - Anne agreed to the annulment.

Anne had no idea how Henry felt about her, didn't speak English so didn't understand the rumours.

Henry prioritised the succession - being married to Anne of Cleves would give him a strong ally, but he was willing to stop the marriage which could potentially create another enemy.

Painting and Cromwell's compliments convinced Henry that Anne would make a fine bride. However, instantly rejected her, "I see nothing in this woman as men report of her".

J.J. Scarisbrick - the Cloth of Gold was "little more than an immense charade".

S. J. Gunn & P. G. Lindley - "the King took a more consistent and informed interest in foreign policy than in most other areas of government"

"At all times the most significant decisions, above all those of war and peace, rested with the King".

"King and cardinal could work as a very effective double-act".

Phyliss Mack saw Henry's subsequent meeting with Charles as undermining "whatever personal links had been established during the kings' dinner parties and embraces".