Princes in the Tower, the

Definition

(Noun) Reference to Edward V, King of England (12 years old) and his brother Richard, Duke of York (9 years old) - sons of Edward IV, King of England, who had just died in 1483 suddenly and unexpectedly. The "princes" (one was actually king) "disappeared" while under the "care" of the dead king's brother and their own uncle, the Lord Protector - who promptly declared himself King Richard III.