known as Harold Harefoot
died March 17, 1040, Oxford, Eng.
King of England (1035–40).
The illegitimate son of Canute the Great , he served as regent of England for his half brother Hardecanute, king of Denmark. In 1036 he murdered the royal claimant, Alfred the Aetheling, and proclaimed himself king. He fended off Welsh and Scottish invaders and was succeeded by Hardecanute.