[1] Gytha Thorkelsdóttir was the daughter of Danish chieftain Thorgil Sprakling (also called Thorkel).

Less than a month later, three of her sons: Harold, Gyrth, and Leofwine, were killed by William the Conqueror's invading Norman army at the Battle of Hastings.

She pleaded with William for the return of the body of her slain son, King Harold, but was unsuccessful.

Her youngest and only surviving son, Wulfnoth, lived nearly all his life in captivity in Normandy until the death of William the Conqueror in 1087.

Only her eldest daughter, Queen Edith (d. 1075), still held some power (however nominal) as the widow of King Edward the Confessor.