Her Coronation was Lavish- but Unpopular
Aside from Katherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn was the only one of Henry VIII’s wives that was formally crowned Queen. Henry and Anne had married in secret in January 1533, when Anne was already pregnant with their first child, the future Elizabeth I. However, once the marriage was officially announced and Anne’s pregnancy assured, Henry wanted to ensure his new, and as far as he was concerned, first legitimate Queen was royally received. So the coronation was scheduled for June 1, 1533.
According to the Tudor chronicler, Edward Hall, the coronation was a lavish affair. “All the Lords of England” were called to receive her as their Queen at, as well as the Mayor, Aldermen and, Guilds of London. The ceremonies began with Henry VIII receiving Ann at the royal apartments of the Tower of London, to a thousand-gun salute. Then, on June 1st, Anne traveled to Westminster Abbey in a litter of white satin. Dressed in white with her hair loose to her waist, she was crowned with the same crown used by her husband at his coronation and anointed Queen of England.
However, the common people did not receive Anne quite so graciously. For the new Queen was unpopular as she had displaced the much-loved Katherine of Aragon. Some claimed to hear insults shouted out and mocking laughter from the crowds. However, for the most part, people held their tongues- but nor did they cheer. When Henry asked Anne how she liked the decorations about the city she is said to have replied: “Sir, I liked the city well enough but I saw a great many caps on heads and heard but few tongues.” It was an inauspicious start to her short reign.