In 1035, Cnut died and there was a bit of a succession dispute between his sons Harald Harefoot, whose mother was Ælfigifu of Northampton, and Harthacnut, whose mother was Emma of Normandy (yes, the same Emma, but that is a thread for another day). 15/

Which of these two men became king of England has much to do with Cnut's wider territory, but Harald was accepted by the English (because Harthacnut was in Denmark) and then when he died in 1040, Harthacnut became king. 16/