The Prince and the Page: A Story of the Last Crusade

In Short

Set during the thirteenth-century Eighth Crusade, Charlotte M. Yonge's historical novel follows Richard de Montfort, the surviving son of the rebel Earl Simon de Montfort. Disguised as a humble page, Richard enters the household of his cousin, Prince Edward of England, to seek redemption for his family name. He journeys across the Mediterranean, facing the hardships of the crusade in Carthage and Acre. Driven by a deep commitment to duty, Richard navigates complex family loyalties, political intrigue, and personal danger, culminating in a story that captures the intersection of chivalric ideals, domestic loyalty, and medieval history.

The Story

The narrative opens in the aftermath of the Battle of Evesham, where Earl Simon de Montfort has fallen and his family is ruined. His son Richard, left wounded on the field, is saved by his loyal hound Leonillo. Rather than joining his surviving brothers in their vengeful, lawless schemes against the royal family, Richard chooses a path of humble service. Disguising his lineage, he enters the retinue of Prince Edward—the very prince who defeated his father—as a page. Richard seeks to redeem the Montfort name through quiet loyalty, hiding his identity from the court while earning Edward's trust and the affection of Princess Eleanor.

As the English forces join the Eighth Crusade, Richard accompanies Prince Edward across the sea. In Carthage, the crusaders encounter the tragic aftermath of the plague that struck the French host, leaving King Louis IX dead and the army crippled. Amidst the chaos of camp life and military reorganizations, Richard’s exiled brothers attempt to draw him back into their dark plots of retribution against the Plantagenets. Richard steadfastly refuses to compromise his loyalty to Edward or his Christian vows, choosing instead to endure suspicion and isolation rather than betray his master.

When the crusade proceeds to Palestine, the English army encamps near Acre. Political rivalries, extreme heat, and constant danger test the crusaders. Prince Edward falls ill and becomes the target of an assassin's poisoned blade. Princess Eleanor heroically aids her husband, while Richard remains vigilant to protect the royal family from further harm. Recognizing Richard’s true heritage and unwavering devotion, Edward keeps his confidence and protects him from political enemies who seek to ruin him.

The climax arrives when an assassin targets Prince Edward. Richard throws himself between the attacker and the prince, taking the fatal blow meant for Edward. As he lies dying, surrounded by the prince and his companions, Richard forgives his attacker—who is revealed to be connected to his own vengeful kin—and dies content that he has fulfilled his vow to restore his family's honour through faithful service. Years later, Richard’s surviving blind brother, Henry, lives as a beggar in England with his daughter Bessee, eventually marrying her to the noble John of Dunster. The story concludes decades later with the family visiting the austere tomb of King Edward I at Westminster Abbey, reflecting on the complex bonds of loyalty, forgiveness, and history that shaped their lives.

How It Unfolds

The survivor wakes Left for dead on the battle-scarred field of Evesham, young Richard de Montfort is restored to consciousness by his faithful hound, Leonillo. He discovers that his father and brother have fallen, leaving his family's fortunes destroyed and their name branded with treason.

Service in disguise Concealing his noble origins, Richard enters the household of Prince Edward as a page. Princess Eleanor recognizes a familiar noble bearing in the boy and his hound, but Edward keeps the youth's secret while testing his devotion.

Arrival at ruined Carthage Accompanying the prince on the Eighth Crusade, Richard lands in North Africa to find the French crusading army devastated by disease and mourning the death of King Louis IX. Amidst the white tents and ancient ruins, Richard faces covert overtures from his outlawed brothers.

A duel of honor Faced with accusations and courtly envy, Richard must defend his standing and integrity in a judicial combat. Supported by the Knight Hospitalier Sir Raynald de Ferrières, he triumphs, strengthening his resolve to serve Prince Edward faithfully.

Danger in Palestine Encamped before Acre under the scorching summer sun, the English host faces sickness and secret plots. Prince Edward survives a poisoned assassin's attack through the quick care of Princess Eleanor, while Richard maintains a watchful guard over his master.

The final shield When a second murderous plot threatens Prince Edward, Richard intercepts the fatal blow intended for the prince. Mortally wounded, he spends his last moments forgiving his assailant and securing Edward's promise to protect his remaining family.

Legacy at Westminster Years later, Richard’s blind brother Henry and his family gather at the plain stone tomb of Edward I. They look back on the long road of exile, reconciliation, and loyalty that bound their lives to the Plantagenet crown.

The People

• Richard de Montfort: The young protagonist, a son of Earl Simon de Montfort. Driven by a desire to clear his family's dishonored name, he conceals his identity to serve Prince Edward as a page, ultimately choosing selfless sacrifice over bloody vengeance.
• Prince Edward (later Edward I): The tall, formidable ruler of England. Stern to his enemies yet generous to those he trusts, he acts as a mentor and protector to Richard, recognizing the boy's nobility and remaining faithful to his memory.
• Princess Eleanor: Edward’s devoted, compassionate wife. She remembers the kindness of the old Earl de Montfort and treats young Richard with gentle grace and warmth throughout their perilous travels.
• Henry de Montfort ("Blind Hal"): Richard’s older brother, who survived the wars badly injured and blind. Living as a humble beggar in England with his daughter, he hides his noble past while maintaining an independent spirit.
• Sir Robert Darcy: A kindly, veteran Knight Hospitalier who combines military experience with deep benevolence, offering guidance and aid to the young characters throughout their journeys.
• John of Dunster: A young knight who begins as Richard's companion on crusade and eventually wins the hand of Henry's daughter, Bessee, uniting the old families.

In Its Own Voice

“We have so much longed to know thy fate.”

Princess Eleanor speaks these words to young Richard upon recognizing his hound and learning how he miraculously survived the disaster at Evesham.

“I could not put the lands and castle of Dunster into a bag and add thereto... Would that I could, my sword, my spurs, and knightly blood to boot, and lay them at your daughter’s feet.”

The young knight John of Dunster declares his devotion to the beggar's daughter, offering his lineage and honor when material riches fall short.

“Let us pray for the peace of his soul, children; for a greater and better man lies here than England knows or heeds.”

Standing before the simple stone monument of King Edward I at Westminster Abbey, the aged Henry de Montfort offers a final assessment of his former royal rival.

What It's Really About

Beneath its medieval pageantry, the novel explores the conflict between personal vengeance and Christian forgiveness. It contrasts the destructive path of feud and political retribution—represented by Richard’s violent brothers—with the quiet dignity of duty, reconciliation, and personal honor. Yonge uses the crusade setting to question what truly constitutes nobility, placing true knighthood not in titles or conquests, but in moral integrity, self-sacrifice, and the willingness to serve others faithfully despite past grievances.

Why Read It Today

This book appeals to readers who enjoy detailed historical fiction, Victorian period storytelling, and classic tales of chivalry. Yonge’s writing offers a vivid sense of place, from the muddy streets of medieval London and the ruins of Carthage to the sun-drenched camps of Acre.

Modern readers should be prepared for nineteenth-century prose, archaisms, and the high-minded moral tone characteristic of Victorian historical romances for young people. The narrative reflects the period's romanticized view of medieval chivalry and Crusader history. However, its grounded character relationships, atmospheric settings, and moving focus on loyalty make it a deeply satisfying read for anyone drawn to Plantagenet history and classic adventure tales.