Princes in the Tower Princes in the Tower "The Princes in the Tower" is an expression frequently used to refer to Edward V, King of England and Richard of Shrewsbury, Duke of York. The two brothers were the only sons of Edward IV of England and Elizabeth Woodville surviving at the time of their father's death in 1483. When they were 12 and 9 years old, respectively, they were lodged in the Tower of London by the man appointed to look after them, their uncle, the Lord Protector: Richard, Duke of Gloucester. This was supposedly in preparation for Edward's forthcoming coronation as king. However,
Vigil of the Princes same. Should the Duke of Edinburgh lie in state, he may receive the same homage, however he has indicated he does not want the "fuss" of a full state funeral. Vigil of the Princes The Vigil of the Princes refers to two occasions when male members of the British Royal Family "stood guard" during the lying in state of one of their relatives during or as part of a British state funeral or ceremonial funeral. King Edward VIII; Prince Albert, Duke of York (Future King George VI); Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester; and Prince George, Duke of Kent, took guard