Elizabeth, styling herself as though she was Queen Regent, called a hasty council meeting,and secured the Great Seal from Bishop Rotherham. Using it as their authority, the Woodville influenced council sent out Commissions to collect taxes. The majority of those mentione in the commissions are Woodvilles or Woodville Supporters, though Hasrings headed seven of them
The Woodvilles styled themselves as "interuterine brother" or "interuterine uncle" to the King. In so doing they were laying claim to power, insinuating they were acting in the name and knowledge of the new King. Edward's Coronation was set for May 4th. Dorset pushed their plot further, claiming to be acting in the interests of the Realm, he urged the need to take steps to secure the sea from French Pirates, who had been causing trouble for some time. There was a need he said to raise a fleet. Gaing the Council's agreement, Edward Woodville was appointed (by Dorset) as Commander of the Fleet, securing the exisiting ships and almost half of the funds amassed in the Treasury.
Drunk on their success, Dorset put caution to the wind, claiming, "We (the Woodvilles ) are so powerful we can rule without a Protector." But he had overplayed his hand, setting of alarm bells over their clear ambition and lack of respect for the King;s