Harold Harefoot

After Cnut's death, Harold Harefoot acted as regent for his half-brother Harthacnut, who was in Denmark. Harold controlled much of England, while Harthacnut's mother Emma held Wessex.

Harold Harefoot was accepted as king of England by the Witan, the council of nobles. He ruled alone, while Harthacnut remained in Denmark unable to assert his claim.

Harold died at Oxford on March 17, 1040. His death allowed Harthacnut to claim the English throne without opposition.