Canute was eventually murdered by Magnus in 1131. Civil war now broke out in Denmark, where Niels and Magnus stood against the claimant Eric Emun. Moreover, the marriage was not harmonious, and Niels was some 20–30 years older than his spouse.
Canute's demise was followed by a power struggle in Denmark, where Niels and Magnus opposed the rival claimant Eric Emun. Moreover, the union between Niels and his spouse was complicated, with Niels being significantly older than his partner.