Edward's skills were recognised by Northumberland and therefore was attending Privy council meetings.

Edward was committed to Protestantism and it was possible that in order to preserve the religious reform programme he wanted to exclude Mary. The succession was altered by the 'Devise for the Succession'.

Due to no male heirs of the Grey family and no possibility that any would be born before Edward died.

His death was kept quiet for 2 days before prominent men in London were forced to sign the devise, and the Council ordered sheriffs and justices of nearby counties to raise forces. However, Mary was quick to respond and she proclaimed herself as Queen and sent letters to the Privy Council.

Meanwhile, Mary had proclaimed herself as Queen in East Anglia: she issued proclamations, letters of summons and finally asked the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V, for help.

Northumberland lost support and was forced to abandon his march towards Framlingham (Mary's base) and retreated to Cambridge, where he proclaimed Mary Queen.

Executed despite his renunciation of Protestantism.