"It is said by historians that Henry VII was a secretive and wary person, but also patient and vigilant, as well as having a love for all sorts games. Juan de Lepe was supposedly Henry VII's favourite opponent, but one day while playing a hand of cards (some sources say it was a game of chess), the English King decided to wager his crown, saying that if his Andalusian rival won the game, he would make him King of England for a day."
"Inevitably, Juan did win and to the surprise of the rest of the court, Henry VII kept his promise and crowed him king for one day. He even made the announcement public, and Juan was greeted by the people as Little King of England. But it wasn't just a title that he gained, it was also the riches that came with it too. Henry told Juan he had the permission and the right to benefit and enjoy everything he had received during that day."
A mid-15th-century sailor from Lepe named Juan traveled to England and entered the court of Henry VII. He became a confidant, dinner guest, jester and frequent opponent of the king. Details of how he joined the court are unclear. Henry VII enjoyed games and once wagered that he would make Juan king for a day if Juan won a game of cards (some sources say chess). Juan won, Henry honored the wager, publicly proclaimed him king for one day, and granted Juan the right to enjoy the wealth and benefits acquired during that day.
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