Edward's first active duty of kingship was to marry his betrothed, the young but sensible Phillipa of Hainault.  The second, was to present the realm with an heir, Edward of Woodstock on June 25, 1330.  Seemingly aware of the need for a wholesome family image, Edward and Phillipa gave every impression of being totally devoted to each other.  More importantly, they were totally devoted to re-establishing the nation's pride in their regal king and beneficent queen (even in later years, when the first dew was long off the marriage rose, Edward outwardly preserved the sanctity of the royal marriage).

After his son's birth, Edward then turned his attention to wresting control of the throne from his mother and her lover.  On the night of October 19, 1330, Edward, with the help of loyal friends, seized Mortimer from the Queen Regent's bed, charged him with treason (and other assorted crimes) and effectively took charge of the government.  On October 29, 1330, Mortimer was hanged as a common criminal at Tyburn.  The Queen Mother was consigned to a comfortable retirement at Castle Rising with an annual income of 4000 pounds a year.  And Edward was now, truly, the King of England.   

With peace in the realms, his nobles united, Edward concentrated on building a well-armed, well-trained fighting machine.  Rigorous training was a part of every nobleman and his retainers' daily routine.  Even the peasants became experts with the longbow--a skill which would turn the tide of future battles in favor of the English army.  Raised on the stories of his grandfather's military genius and prowess, Edward found and ingenious strategy for restoring a proud, proficient presence in the Medieval world--he revived the Arthurian ideals of chivalry and honor. 

On January 1, 1344, invitations for a New Year's tournament were sent out across the continent.  Since he was at peace (for the moment) with the Scots and the French--they were invited, too.  On January 19, 1344 the guests started arriving--awed by the splendor and majesty of the King and his court.  During the magnificent tournament, Edward vowed on the Bible, to begin a round table, just as the ancient warrior, King Arthur had done.  Six earls confirmed the vow.  On August 26, 1346, that ideal was fulfilled in the stunning English victory at the Battle of Crecy, and the inspired knighting of the Prince of Wales on the battlefield.  Once again, England was military force to be feared.   

Through the spoils of war, Edward was able to refill the bankrupt treasury.  Heavily ransomed prisoners, brought fortunes in gold coin to their noble captors--who, in turn, paid a handsome tithe to the King.  Prosperity seemed to wreath the kingdom--Edward and Phillipa were never without their fine clothing, lush living quarters and lavish court banquets that boasted endless food, revelries and drink.  If the conquering heroes were well rewarded, Edward's loyal friends were more so.  Yet, Edward was discreet with his aristocratic rewards.  No noble friend of the realm seemed to rise too fast in riches and the King's esteem, lest other nobles saw a patterns of the old days surfacing and let their jealousy wreak havoc on the newly stable kingdom.   

Edward's England now seemed as rich as it was powerful, the monarchy now as strong as the elegant, heroic king who controlled the reins of the government.  The country as sound as the noble, wise queen who ruled over their hearts as devotedly as she ruled Edward's heart.  And if it was all an illusion--the military success, the regal splendor of the King and Queen, the national pride bursting out of every shire and borough--who cared?  After all, in many cases, perception is reality.