After Emperor Gosanjo abdicated the throne in favor of his first son, Imperial Prince Sadahito (who later became Emperor Shirakawa) in 1073, he expressed that he wished Imperial Prince Sukehito to be made emperor following his death.
1073年（延久4年）に皇位を第1皇子の貞仁親王（のちの白河天皇）に譲った後三条天皇はその死に際し、次代の天皇に輔仁親王を据えることを遺言した。