In 16th-century England, two boys who look identical meet by chance and decide to switch places. One is Edward, the Prince of Wales, heir to the English throne, while the other is Tom Canty, a poor pauper living with his abusive father. They are fascinated by each other's lives and are curious to see how the other half lives. Their harmless game soon spirals out of control when Edward, dressed as Tom, is thrown out of the palace grounds and into the dangerous streets of London. Meanwhile, Tom is trapped in royal luxury and must navigate the perplexing rules and politics of court life without revealing his true identity.

Tom learns quickly but struggles with the weight of royal duties and the constant threat of being exposed. As he gains confidence, he unwittingly stirs up trouble among noblemen suspicious of his odd behavior. At the same time, Edward fights to survive on the unforgiving streets, desperate to reclaim his rightful place as prince. Along his journey, he encounters people from all walks of life who teach him valuable lessons about resilience and compassion. Both boys face unique challenges in their unfamiliar worlds, growing in understanding and resourcefulness as they yearn for their previous lives. Yet, fate has its own plans for them, drawing their paths back together for a resolution that will affect all of England.