Exiled in Bruges, Emma plotted to gain the English throne for her son. She sponsored the Encomium Emmae Reginae, which eulogised her and attacked Harold, especially for arranging the murder of Alfred Atheling (the younger of Emma's two sons by Æthelred) in 1036. The work describes Harthacnut's horror at hearing of his half brother's murder, and in Howard's view, was probably influential in finally persuading the cautious Harthacnut to invade England. According to a later edition of the Encomium, the English took the initiative in communicating with Harthacnut in 1039, possibly when they became aware that Harold had not long to live.
Exiled in Bruges Emma plotted to gain the English throne for her son She sponsored the Encomium Emmae Reginae which eulogised her and attacked Harold especially for arranging the murder of Alfred Atheling (the younger of Emma's two sons by Æthelred) in 1036 The work describes Harthacnut's horror at hearing of his half brother's murder and in Howard's view was probably influential in finally persuading the cautious Harthacnut to invade England According to a later edition of the Encomium the English took the initiative in communicating with Harthacnut in 1039 possibly when they became aware that Harold had not long to live