henrycavillisbae:

–> Favorite relationships in history: Henry VIII of England and Charles Brandon, 1st Duke of Suffolk.

Brought up at the court of Henry VII, Charles Brandon soon became a favorite to Henry VIII, notably thanks to his talent at jousting, and one of his closest friends. He married in secret Mary Tudor, Henry’s little sister and then widow of Louis XII of France, in 1515. Although Henry was furious at first, he quickly forgave them, something that would not have happened later in his reign.

Following Cardinal Wolsey’s disgrace in 1529, Brandon’s influence grew daily. Despite being opposed to the marriage with Anne Boleyn, he remained on good terms with Henry VIII during the early 1530′s and thereafter enjoyed a position of influence at court until the end of his life.

Careful with his investment in court intrigues and a strong supporter of the king’s religious policies, Brandon had little enemies and was appreciated by most. It is a testament to the strength of their friendship that Henry, deeply grieved, buried him at his own expense at Windsor in St George’s Chapel in 1545 and noticed that Brandon had “never attempted to hurt an adversary, nor had he ever said a word to injure anyone”, which was more than many at court could say.