I've been doing a lot of research regarding the lead up to Harold's coronation and the Battle of Hastings. Frustratingly there are some facts we just don't know and are lost to history because of how long ago the Saxons were. Facts that are even left out of the Bayeux Tapestry or unclear to decide. For example, did Edward really send Harold to meet William prior to his death or did Harold go on his own accord, and if so to either why if he was to take the throne for himself anyway.

The only plausible theory I've come up with if Harold intended to fulfil Edwards promise to William as heir to the throne is that he believed it would 1) be the only way for him to secure his high position in ruling England and 2) if the coronation of William went smoothly, it is likely he would have wanted to spend more time in Normandy and wouldn't have needed to subjugate England so harshly, therefore leaving Harold with a position as a sort of deputy King in his absence. There would have been a Norman court sure but William would have seen Harolds value as someone who knew how to govern Saxon England. Plus they gained a close friendshipfrom their brief time together.

But instead Harold ruined any chance he had at a peaceful future. People say he was greedy, but the witan believed that letting William be king so easily would have led to civil war. So it was pushed on him just as much as he enthusiasticly took it.

Thoughts would really help and be interesting to hear.