On April 9, 1483, the death of Edward IV thrust his eldest surviving son, Edward V, into the role of King of England. Yet this young monarch would never wear the crown — he was deposed just two months later, his brief reign ending without a coronation ever taking place.
Born at Westminster Abbey in November 1470, Edward V entered the world during a turbulent time: his father had been driven into exile in Holland. Once Edward IV reclaimed his crown in June 1471, he and his mother were dispatched to Ludlow in 1473, where the young prince served as the nominal ruler of Wales and the Welsh Marches. Ludlow would remain Edward V's home for the rest of his father's reign.
When Edward IV passed away in April 1483, his 12-year-old son became the new king. His uncle Richard, Duke of Gloucester, was appointed as his protector. Before long, both Edward V and his younger brother Richard of Shrewsbury found themselves relocated to the Tower of London — ostensibly for their own protection.
Everything changed on 25 June, when parliament upheld Gloucester's claim that both nephews were illegitimate. The case rested on evidence presented by clergyman Ralph Shaa, who demonstrated that Edward IV had entered into a marriage contract with Lady Eleanor Butler prior to wedding Elizabeth Woodville. This revelation rendered the king's marriage to Elizabeth invalid, stripping Edward V of his claim to the throne and clearing the way for his uncle to take power as Richard III.
What became of the two brothers remains one of history's most haunting mysteries. According to the Princes in the Tower legend, neither boy was ever seen alive again after entering the then royal residence. It is alleged that Edward and his brother were killed in August 1483, on the orders of Richard III. Remains discovered within the Tower during reconstruction are believed to be those of the two princes.