What delicate issues are at the very top of Claudius' agenda for the meeting of his court in Hamlet?

At the beginning of Act I, scene ii, the audience hears Claudius address his court with some sensitive issues. First, he must address the death of his brother, the previous king. He basically admits that everyone "must bear our hearts in grief." However, as a king, he must also move the country forward, for the country's safety, but also for his own.

He turns to announcing his marriage to Gertrude, his former sister-in-law, by presenting...

At the beginning of Act I, scene ii, the audience hears Claudius address his court with some sensitive issues. First, he must address the death of his brother, the previous king. He basically admits that everyone "must bear our hearts in grief." However, as a king, he must also move the country forward, for the country's safety, but also for his own.

He turns to announcing his marriage to Gertrude, his former sister-in-law, by presenting it as a mere fact spurred on by a need to make the country seem unified against impending the war. Fortinbras, prince of Norway, has, according to Claudius, expressed a "weak supposal of our worth / or thinking by our late dear brother's death / our state to be disjoint and out of frame." He uses this fear to smooth over any doubts surrounding the quick marriage. In addition, he sends ambassadors to attempt to reach a truce.

Finally, Claudius must grant permission for Laertes and Hamlet to return to school. Laertes is given permission, but Hamlet is not. Claudius feels he must keep Hamlet close to watch his behavior, which he calls "unmanly" and "a fault to heaven."

Claudius uses this platform to attempt to assert his ability as a king and throw off the suspicion of the murder.