] Historically, it is quite possible for Claudius to be legal ruler as medieval Scandinavia had elective kingship. It is quite believable for the nobility to vote for seasoned Claudius before untried (and absent?) Hamlet as their king.

Thank you for this Sari. I've always thought that Claudius would make a better king than Hamlet, as he is in the play. It is a nervous time in Denmark, what with Fortinbras on the border and ready to retake the lands Old Hamlet won. I can see the people wanting a stronger, more experienced man on the throne, rather than a young student. Though he is "loved of the distracted multitude" he is not ready to be King.