Two boys are born, Tom a pauper and Edward, the son of King Henry. As they grow up they look identical. Edward yearns to escape from the Palace and Tom to escape from the back streets.
Tom and Edward wake up in each others’ houses but no one believes they are who they say they are. At the Palace, Tom is not behaving like a Prince and Edward is so desperate to get away from John Canty that he finds himself on the run with a wanted murderer.
Edward and Tom are both finding life difficult in their switched roles.
Edward finds himself in trouble with the law and at court, Tom is forced to bestow titles on the Prince’s scheming uncles Hertford and Seymour.
Prince Edward is facing the gallows. Miles comes to his rescue but they soon find themselves in trouble with the law. Humphrey begins to believe Tom Canty’s story. Tom’s Coronation Day is drawing closer and he learns that if he is crowned King only his death would allow Edward to take his rightful place on the throne.
Edward has to get to court and establish his identity before Tom Canty is crowned King of England.