Political and public support were crucial in Mary Tudor's recognition as queen. The English public largely viewed Mary as the legitimate heir because she was the daughter of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon, and many resented the Protestant reforms and the attempt to install Lady Jane Grey. When Mary rallied supporters in East Anglia, both Catholic and Protestant nobles—including key members of the Privy Council—shifted their allegiance to her, seeing her as the rightful successor under Henry VIII's will and the Act of Succession.
The groundswell of popular support led to celebrations in the streets when Mary was proclaimed queen, and the Privy Council officially recognized her claim, abandoning Jane Grey. This broad base of support forced her opponents to surrender, ensuring Mary's accession to the throne.