henry fitzroy, the duke of richmond, was born out of wedlock to henry and his 
mistress, elizabeth blount in 1519. although henry is speculated to have 
fathered several illegitimate children, fitzroy was the only son publicly
acknowledged. henry was actually proud of fitzroy as he was the only male 
heir and took great interest upon him. it is said that, had henry died 
without a legitimate male heir, fitzroy would have been made his successor.

fitzroy was married to the duke of norfolk's daughter, lady mary howard. being 
a member of the household of anne boleyn, this was welcomed heartily by anne 
but was a slap in the face to duchess of norfolk who was firmly opposed to the
union. however, the marriage was never consummated due to fitzroy's 
deteriorating health: he was showing signs of tuberculosis. henry ordered the
couple to abstain from sexual practices.