Regarding the battlefield leadership discussion, I think that a second in command should have some influence once the leader dies. However this situation is very unique, you had the king and the heir in the same battle and the king dies.

I think this is the one exception to the rule of the second in command influencing combat when the leader of the army dies.

This is a new one on me, its a nice surprise after playing the game so long to have a new element pop up....