Edward of Westminster, Prince of Wales, was the only son of Henry VI and Margaret of Anjou. His claim to the throne was central to the Wars of the Roses; he died after the Lancastrian defeat at Tewkesbury in 1471.
Lancastrian heir and Prince of Wales (1453–1471)
Follow Edward's short life from his birth during Henry VI's incapacity to the battle of Tewkesbury.
Edward's birth gave Henry VI and Margaret a direct heir after years of childlessness. It came during Henry's severe incapacity, when Richard, Duke of York, had been appointed protector. The birth therefore changed the political balance as well as the royal family.
Edward's recognition as Prince of Wales confirmed his status as heir. He was an infant, unable to exercise political authority, but his inheritance became the central issue in the struggle between Margaret's Lancastrian supporters and the Yorkist faction.
The Yorkist victory at Towton in 1461 forced Margaret and her son from England. They sought support in Scotland and France while Henry VI was captured and held by Edward IV. Edward of Westminster remained the dynastic alternative to Yorkist rule.
Warwick's break with Edward IV created a remarkable alliance with Margaret of Anjou. Their coalition restored Henry VI in 1470. Edward of Westminster returned with his mother, but the arrangement was fragile: Warwick's interests and the Lancastrian succession did not fully align.
Edward IV returned in 1471 and defeated the Lancastrian army at Tewkesbury. Edward of Westminster died during or shortly after the battle. Later accounts disagree about how he was killed. His death removed Henry VI's only heir; Henry himself died in the Tower soon afterwards.
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