Happy Anne Boleyn Day

So today, in 1536 was the day Anne Boleyn was beheaded. I’m a huge fan of Anne Boleyn (not the alleged incest and witchery part btw). This is after all the women many believe invented “Playing Hard to Get”. She kept Henry at bay for 6 years. That is one long seduction technique.

Unfortunately for her it didn’t end so well.

A key lesson to be learnt, if you’re promising the world or in this case a son, deliver. If you don’t and you happen to have upset the most powerful man in the country, you’re going to get it.

I’m not sure whether it’s the portrayal of her by Natalie Dormer in the Tudors or Philipa Gregory’s The Other Boleyn Girl (but definitely not Natalie Portman – what were they thinking? Getting Queen Amidala to play Anne?). But I am fascinated by her. If we were at school together, she would have been the girl I hated at school. She is also the one I would have desperately and secretly wanted to be like. Both depictions present someone who knows what they’re working with and how they use it to their advantage. History has written that Anne was an unconventional beauty. Not nearly as attractive as her sister Mary but Anne was the one who held the room’s attention. The one to capture the attentions of a king.

And make a fashion statement. Her famous pearl “B” choker has spawned many replicas. I’m trying to find someone in Cape Town to make me an “A” one. And although on a TV show, Natalie Dormer’s headdresses are absolutely fabulous. Even more exciting than Blair’s headbands on GG.

Here is one of the best performances by Natalie Dormer on The Tudors season two.

Ex-Oh! Ex-Oh!