In March 1067, William, Duke of Normandy and, since Christmas Day 1066, King of England, returned to Normandy and was greeted by a triumphal adventus:

The Conqueror's family had remained in Normandy during the arduous campaign in England. Robert's mother Matilda, operating with the help of a council of advisers, had ensured that Normandy's government continued smoothly. Whether Robert had a direct role in the government of Normandy during his father's absence is not known, but as the recognised heir to the duchy he was kept at his mother's side for safety in the anxious months between William's departure in September 1066 and the triumphal return of March 1067. Matilda was ruling as much on behalf of her son as her absent husband. Mother and eldest son working together strengthened the bond between them, which was to serve Robert so well a decade later. The new king brought home lavish gifts for the churches of Normandy and William of Poitiers noted in particular the needlework and the gold thread for which the English were famous. In addition, Robert's father brought over a number of high-ranking Englishmen including Archbishop Stigand of Canterbury and three leading earls, Edwin, Morcar and Waltheof. Also among them was Edgar Ætheling, a member of the West Saxon royal family who had briefly been regarded as a candidate for the English throne.