In a street leading to the Tower, the queen sees Richard being conveyed under guard. He tells her to go to France and join a convent. Northumberland then tells him that Bolingbroke has changed his mind: Richard will now be sent to Pomfret, in Yorkshire, not the Tower. After Richard predicts that Northumberland will soon rebel against Bolingbroke, Richard and his queen exchange a mournful farewell.

At the Duke of York’s house, the duke tells his wife about how popular Bolingbroke was with the common folk as he rode through London. In contrast, Richard faced abuse and disdain. Aumerle, who is still loyal to Richard, enters, and his father makes him hand over a document he is carrying. When he sees it is about the planned rebellion, he denounces his son as a traitor. The conspiracy is to kill the new king, Henry IV, at Oxford. York goes to warn the king, while the duchess urges Aumerle to go to the king and seek a pardon.

At Windsor Castle, Bolingbroke complains about the irresponsible behavior of his young son, Hal. Aumerle arrives and begs a pardon from the king before he has even told him his story.