Final answer:
Hans Holbein the Younger is the famous northern European artist known for his realistic portraits, including those of King Henry VIII and his royal family.
Step-by-step explanation:
The northern European artist famous for his realistic portraits, particularly those of King Henry VIII and his royal family is Hans Holbein the Younger. Hans Holbein the Younger was highly notable for his work as a portraitist during the Northern Renaissance, capturing the likeness of figures with exceptional detail and emotional depth. This attention to realism is exemplified in his work 'Portrait of Henry VIII,' which is housed at the Palazzo Barberini, Rome. Holbein's skill in portraying his subjects with psychological reserve and sophisticated elegance was well suited to the royal court, apparent as well in his portrait of Edward VI as a child.