Securing the Succession

• Succession Act broke new ground by laying down that, in the absence of a legitimate heir, the king could determine the succession by will or by letters patent


  1536
• This could theoretically have led to the Duke of Richmond succession, but the latter's death ended this possibility
• Henry acquired a legitimate male heir in Prince Edward


  1537
• The fact that Henry had not married Edward's mother, Jane Seymour, until after the deaths of both Catherine and Anne meant that Edward's legitimacy could not be denied by any interpretation of canon law
• Henry confirmed the succession arrangements in his will


  30th December 1546
• The will further laid down the right of succession to the heirs of Henry's sister, Mary Duchess of Suffolk, if Edward, Mary and Elizabeth died without issue
• The will also set up a regency council to act on Edward's behalf