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Did Richard III Kill His Nephews? Author Claims Princes in the Tower Survived
The disappearance of two young princes from the Tower of London over 500 years ago remains one of history’s most enduring mysteries. For centuries, the prevailing theory, popularized by Shakespeare, has been that their uncle, Richard III, had them murdered to secure his claim to the throne. But now, author Philippa Langley is challenging that narrative, arguing that the princes not only survived but may have even participated in a later rebellion.
Langley, known for her instrumental role in discovering Richard III’s remains in a Leicester parking lot in 2012, has spent a decade investigating the princes’ disappearance. She argues that the accepted story of their murder is Tudor propaganda, crafted by Henry VII to solidify his reign after defeating Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth.
Employing a “cold case” approach, Langley assembled a team of investigative specialists, including police and lawyers. The team advised her to treat the case as a missing persons investigation, leading to the Missing Princes Project. Volunteers, from everyday citizens to medieval historians, poured over historical archives, uncovering what Langley describes as “numerous proofs of life” for the princes.
Central to Langley’s theory is the 1487 rebellion led by Lambert Simnel, a pretender to the throne. Newly discovered documents refer to Simnel as “a son of King Edward,” leading Langley to believe he was actually the elder missing prince, Edward V.
This theory has met with skepticism. Shakespeare scholar Michael Dobson, for example, points out the inherent risk Richard III would have taken by leaving potential rivals alive.
Langley, however, contends the burden of proof now lies with those who maintain Richard III was a murderer. She details her findings in a new book, “The Princes in the Tower: How History’s Greatest Cold Case Was Solved.”
This book follows her previous work, “The Lost King: The Search for Richard III,” which was adapted into a film starring Sally Hawkins and Steve Coogan released in 2022. The debate over the princes’ fate is sure to continue, adding another chapter to this centuries-old historical enigma.