A happenstance of timing during the rebellion played to his good fortune, as he performed public penance at Thomas Becket’s tomb on his return to England on 12 July 1174. With William’s capture occurring the following day, Henry was at once able to move past the ugliness associated with Becket’s murder and claim divine intervention on his, and England’s, behalf against the Scots, the French, and his own children.
A fortunate event during the rebellion helped him, as he performed public penance at Thomas Becket’s tomb upon returning to England on July 12, 1174.  His capture of William followed the next day, allowing Henry to distance himself from the tragedy surrounding Becket's murder and use it to justify his own actions against the Scots, French, and his own children.