Question

How is Harold Godwinson related to King Edward?
A. Harold Godwinson was the cousin of King Edward
B. Harold Godwinson was married to King Edward’s sister
C. Harold Godwinson was the son of King Edward
D. Harold Godwinson was the brother-in-law of King Edward

Answer 1

Hint: A large family called the Godwinson’s dominated the larger parts of England under the reign of Edward the Confessor. Harold Godwin son, is the last Anglo-Saxon king in England.

Complete answer:
Harold Godwinson was born in Wessex to Earl Godwin and Cytha; both of whom were related to the Danish Kings.
Earl Godwin was from a large and powerful family who had influence on very important parts of England, he worked under the king as the most powerful earl but later as the political grip was slipping away from the noble family, and Earl Godwin conspired in the murder of Alfred. The Atheling was the brother of King Edward.
Even though King Edward knew about Earl Godwin’s conspiracy in the murder of his own brother to claim the throne and maintain influence over England he needed Earl Godwin’s support and thus reluctantly agreed to marry Earl Godwinson’s daughter Edith, who was twenty years old at that time. King Edward even after agreeing to marry Edith took a vow of celibacy and did not consummate the marriage and hence they had no kids.
After a series of humiliating defeats King Edward had a stroke and left the kingdom to Edith and his nephew Harold Godwinson. Harold Godwinson was crowned the same day King Edward died. Even though Edith’s marriage was unsuccessful she always played an important role in the administration of the kingdom and was a member of the core committee of the noblemen of King Edward, at the time of King Edward’s death she was the third wealthiest person in the entire England.
Thus, Harold Godwinson was the brother in law of King Edward,
So, the correct answer is Option D.

Note: Be very careful with regard to the relation established between Harold Godwinson and King Edward as King Edward married Harold Godwinson’s sister and it is not the other way around. Being the next heir to the kingdom Harold Godwinson could often be regarded as King Edward’s son but it is not so.