Edward V ascended to the throne in 1483 at the age of twelve following the sudden death of his father, Edward IV. His proclamation as king marked the beginning of a period of intense political instability within the English court. Despite his status as the rightful heir, his reign was short-lived and he was never formally crowned, as the transition of power was immediately challenged by his paternal uncle, Richard, Duke of Gloucester.

The legitimacy of Edward's position was undermined when an Act of Parliament, known as Titulus Regius, declared the marriage of his parents invalid. This legal manoeuvre effectively bastardised Edward and his younger brother, Richard of Shrewsbury, thereby removing them from the line of succession. Consequently, the Duke of Gloucester was invited to take the throne, and he was subsequently crowned as Richard III.

Following his deposition, Edward and his brother were housed within the Tower of London, which served as a royal residence at the time. Their presence in the fortress became the subject of increasing concern as they were seen less frequently in public. Their eventual disappearance remains one of the most enduring and debated mysteries in British history, with their ultimate fate continuing to be a focal point for historians and researchers.

The circumstances surrounding the end of Edward V's reign highlight the volatile nature of the Wars of the Roses and the fragility of royal authority during the late fifteenth century. The key elements of this historical period include:

• The sudden death of Edward IV leaving a minor as his successor.
• The intervention of Richard, Duke of Gloucester, as Lord Protector.
• The declaration of illegitimacy regarding Edward V and his siblings.
• The transition of the crown to Richard III in 1483.
• The mysterious disappearance of the Princes in the Tower.