Harold Harefoot

Harold Harefoot (c.1016-1040) was the illegitimate son of king Canute of Denmark and England and Algifu of Northampton, first wife of king Ethelred the Unready of England.

As the son of Canute and his queen Emma of Normandy, Harold's younger half-brother Harthacanute was legitimate heir to the thrones of both Denmark and England at Canute's death (1035), but Harold took effective power in England and secured recognition by Harthicanute (1036) as regent during the latter's absence in Denmark.

Harold proclaimed himself king of England the following year, but died as Harthicanute was preparing an invasion. His period of rule is associated with the blinding and death of Alfred, Emma's son by Ethelred, following Alfred's return to the kingdom (possibly in an attempt to take the throne) with his brother Edward.