Shakespeare - Richard III Act II-II‪I‬

ACT II

Scene 1. The ailing Edward attempts to restore peace by having Queen Elizabeth and her kinsmen

swear friendship with Hastings and Buckingham. When Richard reports Clarence’s death, Edward is

devastated, believing himself responsible.

Scene 2. The old Duchess of York mourns Clarence, hinting darkly to his two children about

Richard’s involvement. Queen Elizabeth enters grieving the death of King Edward. It is agreed that

her son Edward must be brought immediately from Ludlow for coronation. Buckingham and Richard

are determined “to part the queen’s proud kindred from the prince.”

Scene 3. Citizens express deep concerns about the accession of a child to the throne. Scene 4. Queen Elizabeth and the Duchess of York are horrified to learn of the arrests by Richard and

Buckingham of Rivers, Grey and Sir Thomas Vaughan. Elizabeth decides to seek sanctuary with her

youngest son the Duke of York. 

ACT III

Scene 1. Prince Edward arrives in London with Richard and Buckingham. The Duke of York is

removed from sanctuary and the princes go to lodge at the Tower until the coronation. Richard sends

Catesby to Hastings to ascertain his reaction should Richard become king.