The Brief Reign of King Edward V

On this day, a twelve-year-old prince became King Edward V of England, although he was never crowned and only reigned until 25th June, under the influence of his uncle and Lord Protector, Richard the Duke of Gloucester. On the death of their father, Edward and his younger brother Richard, were transferred to royal lodgings in the Tower of London. Edward’s coronation was repeatedly postponed by his uncle Richard until his claim to the throne was delegitimised and parliament declared Richard III King of England. Not long afterwards, the two princes were never seen again. It is believed that they were killed (suffocated) on the orders of Richard III, but this has never been proved and the disappearance of “The Princes in the Tower” has remained a mystery to this day.

Author: Tony

Born and raised in Malaysia between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Educated at Wycliffe College in Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, England. Living in the foothills of Mount Etna since 1982 and teaching English at Catania University since 1987. View all posts by Tony