1. Who did the Witan choose as king after Edward the Confessor’s death, and what formed the basis of William’s competing claim?
Harold Godwinson; William’s claim rested on Edward’s alleged choice of him as heir and Harold’s alleged oath of fealty.
Explication
The Witan selected Harold, while William’s rival claim relied on the reported choice by Edward and an alleged oath by Harold. William was Edward’s cousin, but that relationship was not the basis described for his competing claim.