The young Duke (8 years) remained unharmed although severl of his guardians were murdered. Over time, William saved his throne by his firm and fair handling of the aristocracy, along with support coming frm King Henry of France. William became a formidable warrior and leader in the many military engagements he fought on the continent. He was happily married to Mathilda, daughter of the Count of Flanders from 1052 until her death in 1083.

King Edward the Confessor of England ruled over a chaotic state and for the support of William's Normans, Edward named him as his successor. William strengthened his claim to England's throne when Harold Godwin, brother of Edward's wife, was shipwrecked in Normandy. In exchange for his freedom, Harold pledged to support William's claim to the throne.

However, in 1066 Edward on his deathbed designated Harold as heir to the throne. William immediately raised an army and landed it in England, advancing to Hastings where he met and defeated Harold's forces. The Battle of Hastings matched in importance the victory of Henry V's success at Agincourt 350 years later.