So for a while I've had the idea in my head for a surviving Norman Sicily, specifically one where they expand their reach to Sardinia and possibly other areas, though I don't want them to expand in Byzantine areas. I want them to mostly leave them alone after the kingdom is established, and likewise I want the Byzantines to mostly leave them alone after a while. I have a few ideas for PoDs, and I'll share them, but I wanted y'alls ideas on this.
1) All of
Roger II's legitimate sons die before he does and he names
Simon of Taranto, his illegitimate son as heir. Simon is not as passive and lethargic as
William I of Sicily was in OTL, so he takes a more active role in European affairs.
2) Roger's eldest sons die a few years earlier, so Roger takes a greater role in raising and educating his youngest legitimate son William, causing William to be a more active and influential ruler.
3)
William II of Sicily has children and thus perpetuates the Norman monarchy. Simple PoD, and my least favorite PoD.
4) One of Roger II's elder suns,
Roger III,
Tancred of Bari, or
Alfonso outlive their father and thus become King of Sicily and have more experience governing than William.
5)
Tancred of Lecce lives longer or is more successful. Also not a fan of this one or other late Norman Sicily PoDs.
6)
Constance of Sicily is married to someone who isn't heir to the Holy Roman Empire and whoever the spouse is adopts Sicily as their main title and fiefdom, thus preserving Sicily's independence.
7) Your choice! Go ahead and suggest a PoD, I'm all ears.