For some time I have been looking to write a timeline in which Henry Frederick, Prince of Wales (1594-1612) and eldest son of King James I of England, survives. However, for all my research, I have not been able to get very far due to the question of his marriage.
In OTL both King James and Queen Anne wanted to see their son marry a catholic Princess, preferably French or Spanish. And whilst Henry reluctantly told his father he would do what he commanded, it was known that Henry and his household were very much against it.
Henry was a very staunch protestant, with leanings towards Calvinism and was very opposed to the Spanish especially. When the Spanish ambassador complimented Henry on his clothes (which were Italian, rather than Spanish as the Ambassador believed), Henry was said to be deeply offended. He prayed a few times a day with his entire household, and implemented fines to those he saw behaving ‘badly’, such as; swearing, not praying enough, being too drunk etc.
Everything about Henry indicates that whilst he may have initially placated his father in agreeing to the idea of a catholic match, it is unlikely it would have gone ahead. And, as the marriage negotiations had been progressing very slow with France, Spain and Savoy, I do not think Henry Frederick would suddenly be married soon after his OTL death. And, he was apparently planning on travelling with his sister, Elizabeth and her new husband, Frederick of Palatine, to find himself a suitable bride. However, I doubt King James would have allowed this to go ahead.
One of three things would happen:
-Henry would marry a good protestant girl without the consent of his father before marriage negotiations with a catholic could conclude.
-Henry would wait his father out and put off any marriage; the both of them in a stalemate, neither willing to budge on the issue. Henry only marrying after his father’s death.
-James has a change of heart and allow’s Henry to marry someone who will not bring a treaty with Spain of France.
I do have candidates of marriage that I have gone back and fourth between, however, marriage to each of them would depend on when he did marry (these are just a few options):
- Countess Emilia Antwerpiana of Nassau (1581-1657): with a 13 year age difference, this would a very odd match, however, Henry was known to absolutely idolise her brother, Maurice of Nassau, and wrote to him often. His household was also very much in favour of a Dutch match. This would only happen if Henry did marry without his fathers consent. And in relation to the age difference; everything I had read about Henry indicates to him being pretty practical, so her being older than him and not being a great beauty, isn’t going to be a huge hurdle for him. However, if he was to have reservations, it would be about the number of child bearing years she would have left.
- Charlotte de La Trémoille (1599-1664): the neice of Maurice of Nassau, she was raised with a strict Calvinist education. Her father was the Duke of Thouars who died when she was young. She was apparently well liked by her uncle, who sent her many gifts, and she would later spend a lot of time at The Hague. Younger than Henry, he may have to wait a little bit to marry her. There are various other sticking points: lack of station, lack of wealth.
- Anne Sophia of Brandenburg (1598-1659): eldest daughter of John Sigismund, Elector of Brandenburg and Anna, future Duchess of Prussia. She seems a perfectly reasonable candidate, however, I don’t know if Brandenburg is a little bit removed and what Henry could necessarily get from the marriage, other than a protestant bride.
A few things: I don’t think Henry would marry into Denmark unless it was absolutely necessary, just because of the fact that he never looked to Denmark OTL, and that he already has ties to Denmark to make future alliances. Which means Sweden is out of the question. Also, I do not believe he would marry an English lady like Anne Boleyn or Jane Seymour. Henry wanted to involve himself in the protestant/catholic struggles on the continent, and a marriage like this would be of zero benefit to him.
So, who would Henry marry? If you know of any other potential brides that fit the bill, please let me know!