Maria of Cleves was a noblewoman born in 1519 in the Duchy of Cleves, which is now part of modern-day Germany. She was the daughter of John III, Duke of Cleves and Maria of Julich-Berg. Maria is best known for her brief marriage to Henry VIII of England in 1540, which was annulled just six months later. After her annulment, Maria returned to her homeland and lived a quiet life. She later married William, Duke of Jülich-Cleves-Berg in 1542, strengthening political ties in the region. Maria passed away in 1574, leaving behind a legacy tied to the complex history of European nobility.