Rhys had nominated his eldest legitimate son, Gruffydd ap Rhys, as his successor, and soon after his father's death Gruffydd met the Justiciar, Archbishop Hubert Walter, on the border and was confirmed as heir.
Rhys hade utsett sin äldste legitime son, Gruffydd ap Rhys, som sin efterträdare och kort efter faderns död träffade Gruffydd rättsskiparen, ärkebiskop Hubert Walter, på gränsen och bekräftades som arvtagare.