Harold was made regent of England after Canute's death. Hardecanute, Canute's son by Emma and claimant to the English throne, was not chosen because he was occupied with affairs in Denmark, where he became king. In 1036 Harold was responsible for the brutal murder of another royal claimant, Alfred the Aetheling, son of King Ethelred the Unready (Ethelred II; reigned 978–1016). Harold then proclaimed himself king and banished Hardecanute's mother. He protected his realm from Welsh and Scottish invaders, and on his death Hardecanute ascended the throne.