The Burden of Royalty: Tom Canty’s Ordeal in the Palace

The Constraints of Protocol

As Tom Canty continues to inhabit the role of Prince Edward, he quickly learns that life within the palace is governed by rigid, exhausting rules. Lord Hertford serves as his primary guide, constantly reminding Tom that he must maintain the appearance of royalty to preserve the “faith in their king.” During a meeting with court officials, Tom’s instinctual kindness—asking the men to sit—is immediately rebuked. Hertford whispers, “Your Majesty, do not press the matter. It is not proper for them to sit in your presence,” highlighting the isolating nature of royal authority. Tom feels “trapped in the prince’s clothes,” forced to nod and agree to matters he barely understands, all while suppressing any mention of his true identity or his past life as Tom Canty.

The Comfort of Companionship

Despite the stifling atmosphere, Tom finds solace in the company of Princess Elizabeth and Lady Jane. Their lively presence helps take his “mind off his problems.” However, even these interactions are fraught with challenges. The girls discuss people and places unknown to Tom, and they occasionally switch to languages he cannot comprehend. Elizabeth, noticing his confusion, attempts to comfort him, even holding his hand when he appears upset. This connection provides a rare moment of genuine human interaction, leading Tom to reflect that no matter his fate, he will “always be glad to have met Elizabeth and Jane.”

The Absurdity of Royal Service

Tom’s struggle with the daily rituals of the palace reaches a comedic and frustrating peak during his personal care and dining routines. He is shocked to find that he is not permitted to dress or undress himself; the servants view it as their duty, and Tom, realizing it is “for you to command and for us to obey,” eventually ceases to argue.

Dinner becomes an “ordeal” of etiquette. Surrounded by servers, Tom finds it impossible to enjoy his meal. His lack of familiarity with high-society customs leads to a series of breaches in protocol:

• Napkin anxiety: He asks the butler to remove his napkin, fearing he might “dirty it” because of its delicate fabric.
• Culinary confusion: Tom struggles with utensils, using the “wrong fork” for his salad and eventually resorting to eating with his hands, much to the “horror” of the observing servants.
• The nose-scratching dilemma: Perhaps the most poignant moment of his confusion occurs when he feels an itch on his nose. Paralyzed by the question of whether he is “allowed to scratch his own nose” without assistance, he waits in silence before finally acting on his own initiative.

The End of a Long Day

By the end of the evening, Tom’s behavior—including filling his pockets with nuts for later and waving a casual goodbye to the staff—leaves the servants in a state of disbelief. They watch him leave with a shared hope that the “prince’s illness would not last long.” For Tom, the experience remains a surreal struggle, balancing the immense physical comfort of the palace against the crushing loss of his personal agency and the constant fear of being discovered.