 Henry's father died in 1296, when Henry was two years old.Because he and his brothers, Bolesław III and Władysław (who was born after their father's death), were minors the regency of their lands was taken over by their mother, the Dowager Duchess Elisabeth (d. 1304) and their paternal uncle Bolko I (d. 1301).Between 1301–02 the official guardianship of Henry V's sons was carried out by Henry of Wierzbna, Bishop of Wrocław.