Summary
In Tudor England, two boys born on the same day—Edward Tudor, Prince of Wales, and Tom Canty, a poor boy from London—meet by chance and discover they look exactly alike.
Curious about each other's lives, they impulsively swap clothes, only for the prince to be mistaken for the pauper and cast out, while Tom is taken to the palace as royalty.
What begins as a playful experiment turns into a harrowing adventure.
Edward experiences the harsh realities of poverty, injustice, and cruelty, while Tom must learn the complex rituals and politics of court life—all while trying not to be discovered.
As both boys navigate their unfamiliar roles, they each gain a deeper understanding of society and the value of compassion, justice, and identity.