Portrait by Lely, c. 1665. "Anne's teasing playing of her hair is deliberately suggestive of a royal consort's prime role—breeding—but also a reminder of her great wit."[1]
Anne Hyde (12 March 1637 – 31 March 1671) was the first wife of James, Duke of York, who later became King James II of England and VII of Scotland. She was the mother of two future queens, Mary II and Anne.
Anne was the daughter of Edward Hyde, a key advisor to King Charles I. She met James while they were both in exile in the Netherlands. Anne became pregnant before they were married, which led to a controversial union in 1660. Although many disapproved of the marriage due to her lower social standing, King Charles II , James's brother, insisted that the marriage go ahead.
Anne and James had eight children, but only Mary and Anne survived to adulthood. Known for her strong personality, Anne often confronted James about his many affairs. After their marriage, she converted to Catholicism, which influenced James to do the same, eventually contributing to the political events leading to the Glorious Revolution.
Anne died in 1671, likely from breast cancer. After her death, James remarried. Her daughters, Mary II and Anne, both became queens of England.
Married her cousin William III, Prince of Orange, in 1677. She and her husband ascended the throne in 1689 after the deposition of her father. No surviving issue[3]
Married Prince George of Denmark in 1683. Successor of her brother-in-law and cousin in 1702. First monarch of Great Britain under the Act of Union of 1707. No surviving issue[5]
