Simplify the following text for a Grade 7 native English-speaking person.
Original: Following Harthacnut 's death on 8 June 1042 , Edward 's mother Emma was rumored to have thought of Magnus of Norway as a successor , but Godwin of Wessex , probably the most powerful of the English earls , supported Edward , who succeeded to the throne .
Simplified: Following Harthacnut 's death on 8 June 1042 , Edward ascended the throne .