Considering he married six women, King Henry VIII produced surprisingly few offspring. Of course, back in the 16th century, it was his poor wives who were relentlessly blamed for their inability to carry a child to term.

Thankfully, we now know better. And if recent research is to be believed, liability for the lack of Tudor heirs can be firmly planted at Henry's door.


As reported in ArchNews, researchers Dr Catrina Banks and Kyra Kramer, from the Southern Methodist University, Dallas, believe that Henry VIII was suffering from a rare blood disorder, which may have been responsible for the miscarriages suffered by his wives. It could also explain his rapid physical and mental decline once he reached his forties.

According to the researchers, Henry's health deterioration and his wives' miscarriages, provides compelling evidence that his blood group may have been 'Kell positive'. This is quite rare among those with the Kell blood group, since the majority are Kell negative.

Problems arise when a Kell positive man conceives a baby with a Kell negative woman. Although the first pregnancy may provide a healthy Kell positive baby, any further Kell positive fetuses are attacked by antibodies which were produced during the first pregnancy. This will ultimately trigger a miscarriage.

The research article, published in the Cambridge University Press, explains that the miscarriages suffered by Henry’s wives, seem to follow the Kell pattern. Anne Boleyn and Jane Seymour both produced healthy first babies with Elizabeth and Edward.

Anne displayed a text book example of the Kell pattern, by suffering subsequent miscarriages, but Jane died shortly after the birth. And although Catherine of Aragon's first baby was stillborn, this was explained as being atypical, and that the survival of Mary who was the fifth pregnancy, fit the Kell scenario. Furthermore, the Kell reproductive pattern was found to apply to several of Henry’s maternal relatives.

Another health problem associated with the Kell blood group, is the genetic disorder, McLeod syndrome. The researchers believe that many, but not all, of the physical problems which affected Henry were consistent with the disorder. For example, McLeod's syndrome typically develops in men between the ages of 30-40. And problems such as muscle weakness, damaged heart muscle and motor nerve damage all became apparent as Henry's health declined.

Perhaps more notably was the dramatic change to Henry's personality. Those  suffering from McLeod's syndrome can start to experience behavioral changes during mid-adulthood as well as a lack of self restraint, anxiety and depression. Indeed, as noted in historical journals, Henry’s behavior became increasingly tyrannical, so much so that he was labeled by some as psychotic.

There are discrepancies. For example, it seems something of a coincidence that King Henry's wives also had the Kell blood group. Furthermore, it's believed that King Henry fathered several illegitimate offspring by his mistresses. And though unproven, the general consensus for Henry’s health decline has often been blamed as a result of the sexually transmitted disease, syphilis.

While this new research certainly provides an interesting and thought provoking explanation for Henry’s troubles, without conclusive proof, it can only remain speculative. It may be that people would prefer to believe that King Henry VIII was a monster driven mad with syphilis, rather than an innocent victim of his own blood disorder.