The term "Mistress of Henry VIII" typically refers to one of the women who had romantic relationships with King Henry VIII of England during his reign in the 16th century. Notable mistresses include Anne Boleyn, who later became his second wife, and Mary Boleyn, Anne's sister. These relationships often influenced political decisions and court dynamics. Henry VIII's reign was marked by his quest for a male heir, which led to his marriages and affairs. His relationships with these women played a significant role in the English Reformation, as they contributed to the king's break from the Roman Catholic Church and the establishment of the Church of England.