On 13 May 1095, Walter of Albano, papal legate of Urban II ⓘ, landed at Dover and travelled directly to Windsor, where he met William II ⓘ.

The legation followed the unresolved dispute between the king and Anselm ⓘ, Archbishop of Canterbury, over recognition of the rightful pope during the Investiture Controversy ⓘ. William had not yet formally recognised Urban II and expected that, in return for doing so, the pope would depose Anselm.

Walter quickly agreed that, according to the customs established under William I ⓘ, no papal legates or letters were to enter England without the king’s consent. In response, William publicly acknowledged Urban II as the legitimate pope.

However, when the king raised the question of removing Anselm from office, Walter firmly refused. The legate would not depose the archbishop, leaving the conflict between Anselm and William unresolved.