The death of Henry VIII paved the way for his only son, Edward VI, to assume the English throne. Born to Henry and his third wife, Jane Seymour, Edward was just nine years old, making him one of the youngest monarchs in English history. Following his father's wishes and the Act of Succession, Edward was quickly proclaimed king, marking the continuation of the Tudor dynasty. Due to his young age, a regency council was established to govern the kingdom, dominated by powerful figures like Edward Seymour, the Duke of Somerset, who became the Lord Protector for the young king.

Edward’s accession brought about significant changes, particularly in the realm of religion. As a firm supporter of Protestant reforms, his reign signaled the continuation and expansion of the Protestant Reformation that had begun under Henry VIII. The Book of Common Prayer and other key Protestant texts were introduced during his rule, shaping the future of the Church of England. Despite being a child king, Edward was viewed as a powerful symbol of the new Protestant faith and a rallying point for reformists in England.

During Edward VI’s short reign, he was often depicted as a well-educated and thoughtful boy. The council attempted to maintain stability amid political and religious turmoil. However, the young king's health was fragile, eventually leading to his untimely death at the age of 15. Edward VI's legacy has since been viewed through the lens of the complex Tudor succession, marking a pivotal point in England's religious landscape.