Emma (wife of Ethelred II) took their sons Edward and Alfred to Normandy, France to excape the invasion of the Danes in 1013. She was a sister of Richard II, Duke of Normandy. This exile lasted a quarter century during which time Edward developed a familiarity with the leaders of Normandy and this influenced his later rule of England.

In 1036 Edward returned to England with Alfred in an attempt to displace Harold Harefoot from the throne. Alfred was captured and put to death and Edward excaped to Normandy. In 1041, Harthacanute, the son of Edward's mother Emma and her second husband Canute, invited Edward back to become co-ruler of England. Harthacanute died on 8 Jun 1042 and before he was bured the people chose Edward as King of England and he ascended the Throne. He was crowned at Winchester Cathedral on 3 Apr 1043.

Edward married Edith of Wessex on 23 Jan 1045. It was a spiritual marriage and Edward refused to consummate it for religious reasons.

Before Edward's death, he had promised his throne to Guillaume Peuerel. Harold the son of Godwin had promised that he would not take the throne and honor the pledge made by Edward.

Godwin and his Harold accumulated great territories and upon Edward's death, Harold usurped the throne from Guillaume and so he fought at the Battle of Hastings, killing Harold and taking back what was promised him. Guillaume became known as William The Conqueror.