Aelfgifu's marriage to Cnut marked her ascent in English history, consolidating her influence as the mother of Harold I and a key figure in governance.
Despite Cnut being proclaimed king after Sweyn's death, Aelfgifu faced opposition from English nobles who sought to restore Aethelred, challenging her status and power.
Historians speculate that Aelfgifu played a crucial role in the logistics of bringing Sweyn Forkbeard’s body back to England, showcasing her political acumen.
Her governance alongside her son Sweyn in Norway and securing Harold's throne illustrated her significant influence in the turbulent power dynamics of the early 11th century.
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