I believe that was a historical reference.  Although, I think one of the major reasons why Henry broke with Rome was so that he didn't have to execute his wives and could just divorce them.

The historical origins of the Church of England are quite illuminating, I think.  It was a way of unifying the religious and political power of the state in one person - the monarch, and was always intended to be a broad church, fudging somewhat the difficult doctrines so that everyone could worship in the same way, at least outwardly.  It may not occur to Episcopalians much, but the head of the Church of England is still the Queen.  She's a very religious lady I understand, but it is a bit of an odd setup.

Now the Church remains a bit of a fudge, which is finally becoming impossible to sustain.  An example - last year it was decided that a gay clergyman in the church could be partnered with someone of the same sex, but would have to confirm that their partnership is celibate.  Is that not the most ridiculous bit of hairsplitting you've every heard?  Oh, yes, God loves his children, gay is ok, gay love is even ok, but gay sex? nooooo....

It's a shame that the heirarchy they are setting up puts the right wing (no gays, no female clergy, etc) "closer" to the Anglican communion than the more liberal parts of the Church.  I have no idea why things worked out that way and it seems odd that a man of such impeccably liberal inclinations as Rowan Williams is embracing a section of the church that is so profoundly at odds with his own faith.

the only reason some people get lost in thought is because it's unfamiliar territory.

Per Kiwiana, a historical reference.  

Although killing off a wife by subterfuge is a more recent phenomenon amongst kings-in-waiting.