Now, Robert had been having a very good year – the new king of France, Henri had been outed by his step-mother (what is it with step-mothers?) in favour of her own son – Robert. Henri fled to Normandy to ask the Duke for help – which he received.

Robert managed to place Henri back on his throne and was keen to act the hero all over again by getting Edward onto the throne of England. He launched a fleet, but bad weather blew the ships towards the Channel Islands, scuppering the plans.

Though he may have felt deeply for his two young charges, he had always felt quiet happy with Cnut ruling England previously – especially as Cnut had married his aunt Emma. So this change of heart was quiet out of character – unless Edward had promised to leave his throne to Robert’s son William, in exchange for the assistance in regaining it that is …