The mystery surrounding the Princes in the Tower has fascinated historians, authors, and the general public for generations.
Centered on questions of power, succession, and betrayal, the tale is said to have unfolded at the Tower of London centuries ago.
Reports indicate that King Charles is “supportive” of efforts to verify whether two children’s skeletons currently interred at Westminster Abbey are indeed those of King Edward V and his younger brother Richard, Duke of York.
The centuries-old enigma continues to raise pressing questions: What truly happened to the two princes? Was their uncle, Richard III, involved in their disappearance? And are the remains discovered during King Charles II’s reign really those of the missing royal brothers?
King Charles, who studied archaeology at the University of Cambridge, reportedly holds a more open perspective on the investigation than his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
The two children’s remains were discovered in 1674, buried near the chapel in the White Tower. King Charles II had them placed in an urn and entombed in Westminster Abbey.
Since they rest in the Royal Crypts, any further scientific examination would require the reigning monarch’s approval.
Tracy Borman, chief curator at Historic Royal Palaces, shared: “He has expressed interest in moving forward with an investigation so we can finally understand how the young princes died.”
The mystery dates back to 1483, following the death of King Edward IV. His 12-year-old son, Edward V, was set to inherit the throne, and his uncle, Richard, Duke of Gloucester, was appointed Lord Protector.
The two boys—Edward and his nine-year-old brother, Richard—were moved to the Tower of London in preparation for the coronation.
Shortly after, the Duke of Gloucester claimed the princes were illegitimate and declared himself the rightful heir to the throne.
With backing from influential allies, he was crowned King Richard III on July 6. Following this, the princes were relocated within the Tower and were never seen again after the summer of 1483.
During Charles II’s reign, workers discovered a box containing the skeletons of two children beneath a staircase in the Tower of London. These remains were believed to be the lost princes and were subsequently placed in the Royal Crypts at Westminster Abbey.
Although children’s bones have been found in the Tower before, these particular remains gained credibility due to their discovery site aligning with an account by historian Thomas More and the presence of velvet remnants, suggesting royal status.
In 1933, the bones were examined by a group of specialists. While the analysis indicated they likely belonged to boys of the same age as the missing princes, the study lacked definitive conclusions due to the absence of modern forensic tools, such as DNA testing.
Today, with the possibility of royal consent and advanced scientific methods, there may finally be an opportunity to uncover the truth behind one of history’s most haunting royal mysteries.
