Richard, Duke of Gloucester

Suppose Richard, brother of Edward IV, dies in 1482 while leading a raid against the Scots in northern England. How does this change the political situation when Edward dies the following year?
 
Well, Edward IV wasnt in the best shape at that time, so I don't know if he'll bring retribution himself. But England is gonna be pissed as hell. There is a stronger chance of a Woodville regency now, I think?
 
The Woodvilles seem likely to survive as regents, as noted. There's no one else of Richard's stature for Edward to appoint Lord Protector, so there's no other rival power center with the legitimacy to act against them. That also likely means a continuation of Yorkist rule, since Henry Tudor likely won't be able to leverage his OTL support (which was mainly anti-Richard rather than pro-Lancastrian); the Tudors either die in exile or eventually make their peace with the Crown and are restored to some of their lands/titles. Edward of Middleham inherits Richard's titles, but is still a kid and likely still dies shortly afterwards.

If Edward lives, he's betrothed to Anne of Brittany, and both in a much better position to protect that betrothal than Maximilian was, and likely to be willing to press the issue harder than Henry VII was. That potentially further entangles the English in continental affairs, which complicates things quite a bit (especially if a more prolonged Franco-Breton conflict delays or averts the Italian Wars, which first broke out in the mid-1490s). That said, the record of English armies on the continent from the middle of the 15th century on tended to be fairly terrible, as the English tended to fall behind on the various changes that were reshaping continental armies and were too cheap to pay for prolonged campaigns, so Edward V's Breton expeditions may turn out to merely be expensive fiascos.
 
The Woodvilles seem likely to survive as regents, as noted. There's no one else of Richard's stature for Edward to appoint Lord Protector, so there's no other rival power center with the legitimacy to act against them. That also likely means a continuation of Yorkist rule, since Henry Tudor likely won't be able to leverage his OTL support (which was mainly anti-Richard rather than pro-Lancastrian); the Tudors either die in exile or eventually make their peace with the Crown and are restored to some of their lands/titles. Edward of Middleham inherits Richard's titles, but is still a kid and likely still dies shortly afterwards.

Would Hastings just accept the inevitable regarding a Woodville-dominated regency, despite his antipathy?

Buckingham may do something stupid and get himself killed, though alternatively without someone like Richard to team up with he might stay quiet (for a while).
 
Would Hastings just accept the inevitable regarding a Woodville-dominated regency, despite his antipathy?

Buckingham may do something stupid and get himself killed, though alternatively without someone like Richard to team up with he might stay quiet (for a while).

Would he have a choice? It's not like he can rise up in rebellion or have any alternative candidate (besides Tudor who's regarded as a boobie-prize-candidate by most). As to Buckingham? I'd say he'll do something stupid (maybe he rebels, proclaims himself king - because of Edward IV's bigamy, Clarence's attainder and Middleham's death, which leaves him a candidate in line for the throne). And probably be made a head shorter for his pains.
 
Not a great deal happens short term - Edward IV strengthens his support for James III's brother Albany.
On his death - things happen as in otl - the council meets after the king's death and clearly decides on no formal regency but instead intends to govern for the king as a council until his coronation, which as in otl is set for the summer, the Queen dowager moderates between her son Dorset and Hastings. (this is closer to the Richard II precedent and avoids the division that marked Henry VI's minority)
Anthony sets off on his slow progress with the new King and is joined by his brother in law Buckingham. All arrive in London in May to a rapturous welcome from the populace.

Edward V takes up residence in the Tower under the nominal care of his uncle Rivers - he confirms his father's appointments etc and looks forward to the coronation in June which will be overseen by his uncle by marriage the Duke of Buckingham who succeeded the Duke of Gloucester as Lord High Constable.

Hastings and Dorset may dislike each other but both are united in their loyalty to Edward IV's children.
 
Top