Whatever Edward's wishes, it was likely that any claim by William would be opposed by Godwin, the Earl of Wessex, a member of the most powerful family in England.
Hvad end Edvards ønsker var, så er det sandsynligt at ethvert krav fra Vilhelm ville blive modsagt af Godwin, jarl af Wessex, der var medlem af den mest magtfulde familie i England.