Henry has reigned under the regency of…

Henry has reigned under the regency of a council of nobles dominated by his uncles and his Beaufort kin, who are the real rulers of England.

Humphrey, duke of Gloucester, champions a war policy in France against the peace efforts of Beaufort, who has sought to end the long Anglo-French conflict after the English defeat at Orleans.

The council governs England until 1437, when Henry VI, now sixteen, reigns personally, influenced at first by Beaufort and later by William de La Pole, duke of Suffolk.

Henry is a pious and generous man, but he lacks the attributes needed for effective kingship.

Above all he lacks political sense and is no judge of men.