Who Lord Hertford is
Lord Hertford belongs to the royal court, where Tom Canty is mistaken for Edward, Prince of Wales. As the prince's uncle, he takes care of the boy without knowing that the two boys have exchanged clothes.
Tom does not recognize the courtiers or understand the customs they expect him to follow. Lord Hertford explains this strange behavior as a fit of madness rather than a sign of mistaken identity.
Lord Hertford and the others in the story
Lord Hertford's protection is directed toward the prince, but Tom is the boy who receives his care. He tells everyone that the prince is suffering from an illness and orders them not to discuss it.
His response shows how firmly the court accepts Tom as the prince despite the boy's unfamiliar behavior. For Tom, who expects punishment for the exchange, this leaves him being cared for while still bewildered by palace life.
Questions
Who is Lord Hertford?
Lord Hertford is the uncle of Edward, Prince of Wales, and a figure at the royal court.
Does Lord Hertford know Tom is not the prince?
No, he believes Tom is the prince and treats his unfamiliar behavior as illness.
How does Lord Hertford protect Tom Canty?
He looks after Tom and insists that nobody speak about the condition he believes the prince has.
