Henry VIII's faux pas

King Henry VIII of England and Emperor Maximilian each had their separate bones to pick with France, so in 1513 they joined forces for the Battle of Guinegate. (Actually, by then Maximilian had a skeleton's-worth of bones to pick with France, but we'll save that story for later. )

Henry VIII (1509)

Emperor Maximilian c. 1509

Contemporary woodcut of
the meeting between the two sovereigns

From the point of view of the English and Imperial forces, the Battle of Guinegate was a success. Here's what the Imperial Master of the Posts had to say about it:

"Early in the day the Emperor and the King of England encountered 8,000 French horse; the Emperor, with 2,000 only, kept them at bay until four in the afternoon, when they were put to flight. A hundred men of arms were left upon the field, and more than a hundred taken prisoners, of the best men in France; as the Sieur de Piennes, the Marquis de Rotelin, and others." (From Wikipedia.)

Henry's faux pas came later, when the victors came together to celebrate. Maximilian was well known for his charm and courtly behavior. When he and Henry arrived at the celebration, he courteously motioned for Henry to precede him into the room, which Henry promptly did, instead of deferring to Maximilian, as etiquette demanded. The emperor was more than 30 years his senior and one of Europe's most formidable rulers.

Always remember: age before beauty, Henry!

What I don't know is how Maximilian reacted to this. He could be quite unpredictable; equally likely to laugh off Henry's youthful arrogance as to swan off in a huff.

My guess is that he smirked to himself, quickly identified which lady present had Henry's eye, and seduced her himself.  ;-)

Marble relief depicting the Battle of Guinegate
on Maximilian's cenotaph in Innsbruck