The main reason for the conflict between Henry II and Thomas Becket is that Becket, who was initially a close friend and advisor of Henry, began to strongly support the authority of the church over the monarchy. This clashed with Henry's desire to have more control over the church, as he believed that the clergy should be subject to the laws of the state. Becket's support of the church's independence and his refusal to recognize Henry's efforts to control it led to increasing tensions between the two. Another factor that contributed to the conflict was Henry's refusal to appoint Becket as Archbishop of Canterbury, which Becket saw as a personal betrayal.
