The Real Henry III? What makes someone a king? More importantly, what unmakes a king?

The article explores the concept of associate kingship in medieval England, focusing on the short-lived experiment with co-kingship involving Henry II and his son, Henry III. The practice of crowning an heir during the monarch's lifetime to ensure a smooth succession was common in other European kingdoms but not in England. The young Henry's rebellions against his father, lack of royal symbols, and failure to establish a lasting legacy led to his eventual obscurity and loss of the title of Henry III. The article highlights the complexities of royal succession and the impact of familial conflicts on historical perceptions of kingship. [Extracted from the article]