King Harold II, also known as Harold Godwinson, was the last Anglo-Saxon king of England. He reigned for a brief period in 1066, following the death of King Edward the Confessor. Harold was a skilled military leader and was known for his strong ties to the powerful Godwin family. His reign ended after the famous Battle of Hastings, where he faced the invading forces of William the Conqueror. Harold was defeated in this battle, which marked the beginning of Norman rule in England. His death symbolized the end of Anglo-Saxon dominance and significant changes in English history.