The Princes in the Tower: Who Were They?

Edward V (1470–1483)



  • The elder of the two princes.


  • Officially king for a brief period before Richard’s coronation.



Richard of Shrewsbury, Duke of York (1473–?)



  • Younger brother, aged 9–10 at disappearance.


  • Both princes lodged in the Tower of London awaiting Edward V’s coronation.



 Richard III’s Rise to Power


The Arrest of the Woodvilles



  • The Woodville family, maternal relatives of the princes, were rivals of Richard.


  • Richard arrested several key members, consolidating his power.



The Claim of Edward IV’s Illegitimacy



  • Richard’s supporters claimed Edward IV’s marriage to Elizabeth Woodville was invalid.


  • This declaration made Edward V and his brother illegitimate and ineligible for the throne.



Richard III’s Coronation


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