Jane Seymour entered royal service as an attendant to Katherine of Aragon and later joined Anne Boleyn's household. By early 1536 Henry VIII was courting her, while members of her family and conservative courtiers encouraged the relationship. After Anne's execution, Jane and Henry became engaged and married at Whitehall on May 30, 1536. A royal procession on the Thames introduced her publicly as queen. Her planned coronation was postponed, and she was never crowned.

As queen, Jane supervised her household and required her attendants to follow more traditional English dress. Her public motto emphasized obedience, but reports of her interventions show that she sometimes pressed Henry on sensitive matters. She encouraged his reconciliation with his daughter Mary, who returned to court in July 1536, although Mary did not regain her place in the succession. During the Pilgrimage of Grace, the French ambassador reported that Jane appealed for the restoration of religious houses. Henry warned her against further interference.

Jane's pregnancy in 1537 became central to the dynasty's expectations. She gave birth at Hampton Court to Edward on October 12 and participated in the ceremonial acknowledgment of the heir. Her health then deteriorated, and she died on October 24, twelve days after the birth. Mary acted as chief mourner at her funeral. Jane was buried in St. George's Chapel, Windsor, and Henry was later buried beside her; their son succeeded him as Edward VI in 1547.