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Harold Godwinson, or Harold II (Old English: Harold Godƿinson; c. 1022 - 14 October 1066), was the last Anglo-Saxon King of England.[a] Harold reigned from 6 January 1066 until his death at the Battle of Hastings on 14 October, fighting the Norman invaders led by William the Conqueror during the Norman conquest of England.

Harold was a son of Godwin, the powerful Earl of Wessex, and Gytha Thorkelsdóttir, sister-in-law of King Cnut the Great of England and Denmark. Gytha's brother was Ulf Jarl, who was married to Cnut's sister Estrith. This made Ulf the son-in-law of King Sweyn Forkbeard, and the father of King Sweyn II of Denmark. Godwin was the son of Wulfnoth, probably a thegn and a native of Sussex. Godwin remained an earl throughout Cnut's reign, one of only two earls to survive to the end of Cnut's reign. On Cnut's death, Godwin originally supported Harthacnut instead of Cnut's initial successor Harold Harefoot, but managed to switch sides in 1037, although not without becoming involved in the murder of Alfred Aetheling, half brother of Harthacnut and younger brother of the later King Edward the Confessor. When Harold Harefoot died, Harthacnut became king and Godwin's power was imperiled by his earlier involvement in Alfred's murder, but an oath and large gift secured the new king's favour for Godwin.Harthacnut's death in 1042 likely involved Godwin in a role as kingmaker, helping to secure the English throne for Edward the Confessor. In 1045, Godwin was at the height of his power, when his daughter Edith was married to the king.

Godwin and Gytha had several children. The sons were Sweyn, Harold, Tostig, Gyrth, Leofwine, and Wulfnoth. There were also three daughters: Edith of Wessex, originally named Gytha but renamed Ealdgyth (or Edith) when she married King Edward the Confessor; Gunhild; and Ælfgifu. The birthdates of the children are unknown, but Sweyn was the eldest and Harold was the second son. Harold was aged about 25 in 1045, which makes his birth date around 1020.