The pro-French bias that is usually attributed to Clement V stems, to some degree, from the pope's family roots in Gascony and an alleged preference for his place of origin. Such an assumption, the origins of which go back to the fourteenth century, overlooks the fact that Gascony was dependent on England and that the former archbishop of Bordeaux was the senior prelate in the continental domain of Edward I. Further, analysis of Clement's pontificate clearly evinces the pope's strong support of the kings of England, notwithstanding the many inconveniences of such a policy. It eventually placed Clement not only against most barons and prelates of England, but also against the community of the Scottish realm in its fight for independence. In both cases, the pope's unconditional support of Edward I and Edward II was in open opposition to prevailing views among the nobility and the prelates, thus leaving Clement with a fragile alliance with the crown, the utility of which may be questioned. It seems, however, that, in the English context, political and economic considerations were of marginal importance for Clement V and papal policy was basically dictated by the pope's high regard for the kings of England. Whether Clement's esteem was reciprocated in actual practice by either Edward I or Edward II remains a question open to debate.

The correspondence between Clement V and Edward I is characterised by expressions of mutual confidence and appreciation that went beyond diplomatic gestures. During the first year of Clement's pontificate, Edward paid great deference to the former archbishop of Bordeaux, from whose personal integrity and rich experience, the king declared, he had long benefited.