The prince died at the age of four, on August 27, 1862, possibly from appendicitis.[22][23] Historian Helena G. Allen later claimed that Queen Emma blamed Kapiʻolani for the child's death. The prince was under Kapiʻolani's care when he was doused with cold water by the king to calm him during a tantrum. This was traditionally thought to have induced the brain fever which killed the prince.[24][25] Historian George Kanahele concludes there is little to no evidence of this animosity.