Edward the Confessor's Critical Weaknesses
Despite his strengths, Edward faced serious problems that would eventually destabilise his reign. Half the country remained under Danelaw, meaning Viking legal customs still dominated large areas where Edward's authority was practically meaningless.
Earl Godwin of Wessex became Edward's biggest headache, using his immense power to pressure the king into making decisions that favoured Godwin's family. When they fell out in 1050, Godwin was temporarily exiled.
However, Godwin returned in 1051 leading an army, forcing Edward to restore him to power - imagine how humiliating that must have been for a king! This incident showed everyone that Godwin could challenge royal authority and win.
The Earl of Wessex controlled so much territory and wealth that he rivalled the king himself, creating a dangerous power imbalance that weakened Edward's position significantly.
Key Insight: Even successful medieval kings were only as strong as their ability to control powerful nobles - lose that control, and you lose your throne.