The King appears to be to all those who greet him a charming, talented and ambitious young man who enjoys many sports and is well tutored. Indeed, Erasmus himself spoke of the King as a “universal genius” with a “lively mentality which reached for the stars”. However I am concerned about a number of the new King’s characteristics. He is impetuous and often does not seem to think through the consequences of his actions, especially when it comes to executing members of his court.Of course some faults are to be expected as Henry VIII was never trained to become the next monarch, as his elder brother was expected to succeed the throne, but the fact that his father gave him no responsibility is worrying – I wonder if he was not trusted? Or maybe Henry VII saw a different, more arbitrary side to his son than the rest of the kingdom sees?Henry VIII does appear to be interested in foreign affairs and speaks many languages well, suggesting another diplomatic ruler, although he appears determined to go to war – especially with our beloved France.
This news, I hope, will not come as too much of a surprise for you. It seems that Henry has heard of our ambitions towards Italy, and as a devout catholic, he vows to support the Pope, creating another obstacle. As you already know, Henry’s father-in-law is an arch rival of ours – Ferdinand of Spain and therefore Henry VIII will support him in any conquests. Finally, it appears that Henry VIII believes he has a claim to the French throne after the Great War of a Hundred Years.
This is, of course, preposterous but the new King is incredibly stubborn and his mind is not to be easily swayed.I fear that Henry VIII is too unlike his father. He is happy to lavishly spend England’s money that his father sought so hard to secure and the stable kingdom of Henry VII may no longer remain. Henry VII maintained good relations with us – something I pray that Henry VIII will continue, but my prayers I fear are in vain.
However the new king has the support of the kingdom, with his charming personality, and is already seen as the perfect role model in England so I may be wrong. A Venetian Ambassador described him with hair cut “in the French fashion” and reported that he “speaks French, English, Latin and a little Italian” so there is always hope that he will become an ally, rather than an enemy.
