Two identical-looking boys, street urchin Tom Canty and Prince Edward Tudor of Wales, exchange clothes and identities. Edward learns about the problems of common people and Tom plays the role of a prince and then a king. Both boys realize through their experiences that you can't judge a person's worth by outer appearances.A boy pauper with an abusive alcoholic father, Tom dreams of a life steeped in riches and adventure. Prince Edward, son of the often-merciless King Henry VIII, dreams of playing with children his age and to "clothe myself in rags and revel in mud, with no one to forbid it." One day, while running from his father, John Canty, Tom tumbles unnoticed through the guarded gate and onto the grounds of the royal palace. He is met there by Prince Edward, who discreetly leads him through a side entrance and up to his stately room. The two boys become friends, sharing their aspirations, and in a whimsical act, changing clothes. The boys stand in front of a mirror and are amazed. Tom looks exactly like the Prince and the Prince just like Tom. The Prince seizes the moment and heads for the window, telling Tom to be Prince until he returns.
With the help of altruistic stranger, Miles Hendon, the Prince overcomes John Canty's wrath, imprisonment and nonbelievers who label him a liar when he professes his true identity, all in his quest to return to his rightful place in life. Tom finds himself behind bars as well -- the gate that surrounds the royal palace. When the King dies, he must continue to masquerade as Prince, longing for his family and friends. while fending off the nefarious Lord Hertford, who has discovered Tom's identity and threatens to reveal it unless Hertford rules the kingdom, using the boy as a puppet. However, through the kindness of strangers and armed with newfound wisdom, the Prince reclaims his throne and rights the injustices of his father, making a better life for his new friends and country.
