The story in one page
Born on the same day but into vastly different social strata, Tom Canty and Prince Edward meet by chance at the palace gates. Curiosity leads them to trade outfits, but the resemblance is so perfect that the guards drive the real Prince into the streets as a vagrant. While Tom panics through royal dinners and attempts to learn the whereabouts of the Great Seal of England, Edward experiences the brutality of the law from the wrong side of the pillory. Aided by a kind-hearted soldier of fortune, the Prince travels the countryside as a commoner, eventually fighting his way back to London to reclaim his crown seconds before Tom is officially anointed.
Who's who
- Edward Tudor
The rightful Prince of Wales who experiences homelessness and judicial cruelty.
- Tom Canty
A pauper from Offal Court who accidentally becomes the King of England.
- Miles Hendon
A disinherited soldier who protects the Prince, believing he is simply mad.
- John Canty
Tom's abusive father who treats the real Prince as a failing beggar.
- Lord Hertford
A royal advisor who manages the King's affairs during Tom's supposed madness.
What it's really about
- Identity and Apparel
- Social status is determined by cloth and ceremony rather than inherent character.
- Legal Injustice
- The Prince only realizes the cruelty of his laws when facing them.
Why it's memorable
- The King's son receiving a sounding blow for claiming his royal heritage in a slum.
- Tom Canty mistakenly using the Great Seal of England to crack nuts.
The ending, explained
Spoilers — show the ending
Edward proves his identity by revealing the location of the Great Seal, takes the throne, and ensures Miles Hendon and Tom Canty are rewarded for their loyalty during his exile.
For your book club
- The arbitrary nature of authority based on external appearances rather than capability.
- The sharp contrast between the opulent palace rituals and the starvation in Offal Court.