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visit him for Christmas, something that had previously not been done because he had Mary and Elizabeth declared bastards. Likely due to the influence of his loving 6th wife, Katherine Parr, Henry had a change of heart and in the Third Act of Succession put Mary and Elizabeth back in line for the throne following Edward.

During the summer of 1543 Henry had Edward betrothed to the infant Queen Mary of Scotland, thereby uniting the kingdoms of England and Scotland forever. There was, however, a catch. Henry wanted Queen Mary raised in England so he could see to her proper upbringing as a proper English Queen. Scotland would have none of it. In refusing Henry and aligning themselves with France, the Scots may have well put the nail in Mary's coffin, for year's later Edward's sister Queen Elizabeth would have Mary beheaded for treason. Henry sent Edward's uncle Edward Seymour to Scotland to burn and destroy everything in his wake as a response to his displeasure with Scotland's choice.

On January 28, 1547 Henry VIII died when Edward was a boy of 9. Because of the new king's youth his uncle Edward Seymour became the Lord Protector of the Realm, which meant he ruled in the king's place until he reached the age of 18. On the night of Henry's death young Edward was taken to his sister Elizabeth's household where they were both told together of their father's passing. It's said that great wails of sorrow were heard when they heard the news. Edward was then taken to the Tower, as was customary for new monarchs before taking the throne. He was proclaimed King of England on January 31 with the coronation following on February 20.

Henry's will had provided instructions for sixteen executors to be Edward's council, and twelve more men who could supplement the executors as needed. There were no instructions for Lord Protector, however it was voted unanimously that Edward Seymour take the position for his nephew. Shortly thereafter Edward's other uncle, Thomas Seymour, thought that as brother of the Lord Protector that he should have equal power in the realm. Edward Seymour tried to appease his brother with titles, however Thomas was determined to gain power. Thomas attempted to gain the King's favor, however failed when Edward deferred to his council on his every move.

Thomas married Cathrine Parr, Henry VIII's widow, however his roving eye during her pregnancy may have ended up costing him his life. He was caught embracing the Princess Elizabeth, and after Cathrine died in childbirth

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