Harthacanute

Harthacanute was advised to submit; he knelt before his father and obtained forgiveness, as the King realised that no responsibility could lodge with a witless boy.

"Next he led his son Harthacanute to his own high-seat and gave him the kings-name with the government of the Danish realms."

It is significant that the only one who is awarded the royal title is Harthacanute, the youngest of the King's three sons; but he was also the only one who was of legitimate birth.

There can be little doubt that Canute intended to make Harthacanute the heir to all his realms.

Two children were born to this marriage: Harthacanute, who ruled briefly in Denmark and England after the death of his father and of his half-brother Harold; and Gunhild, who was married to the Emperor Henry III.