When Harold learnt of the king's death, he swiftly took measures to secure the throne. He presented his claim to the English nobles and secured their support. Subsequently, he was formally crowned king at Westminster Abbey on the same day, January 6th, 1066.
Harold's crowning was driven by several factors:
Power and influence: As the Earl of wessex, Harold Godwinson held significant power and influence in England. He had amassed considerable wealth and had a strong network of allies among the English nobility. His father, Godwine, had previously served as the most potent Earls in the realm.
Popularity and support: Harold's reputation as an able administrator, military leader and patron of the church made him popular among the English people. He was widely revered for his victories against the Welsh and his defence against Norwegian incursions.
The Witan's choice: The Witan, the council of the leading Anglo-Saxon nobles and clergy, played a crucial role in determining the succession. They viewed Harold as a strong and capable candidate, who could safeguard England's interests and maintain the status quo.
Edward the Confessor's alleged deathbed wish: Although there is no concrete evidence, some medieval sources suggest that Edward had expressed his preference for Harold to succeed him. These sources claim that Edward saw Harold as the most suitable person to protect the kingdom from external threats and preserve the Anglo-Saxon way of life.
However, it's important to note that Harold's accession was not universally accepted. William of Normandy, who also laid claim to the English throne, viewed Harold's coronation as an illegal act and prepared for an invasion to enforce his claim, eventually leading to the Battle of Hastings and the Norman conquest of England.