What evidence connects Richard III to the disappearance of the Princes in the Tower?

There is no direct, contemporary evidence linking Richard III to the disappearance of the Princes in the Tower; rather, the connection is based on circumstantial factors and historical consensus regarding his control over the boys' fate.12

The primary arguments connecting Richard III to the disappearance include:

• Custody and Control: After Richard usurped the throne in June 1483, the two princes—Edward V and his brother Richard—were held in the Tower of London under his authority.12
• Political Necessity: The princes were viewed as significant threats to Richard’s reign. Even after being declared illegitimate, they remained focal points for potential conspiracies and opposition.1
• Lack of Denial: Following their disappearance in the summer or autumn of 1483, Richard never denied that they were dead, and his government operated on the assumption of their deaths.1

While many historical sources blame Richard, others have attributed the crime to the Duke of Buckingham or Richard’s successor, Henry VII. Modern historians often debate these theories, noting that Richard may have been framed by political rivals.123