Pilgrim Adept
I'm somewhat confused about the actual definition of the trope. The first couple paragraphs, as well as the listed subtropes, indicate that it should be "a character proves they are a true friend by sticking with someone in trouble". However, the shortish "conversely" paragraph indicates that it's actually about the event - "a character is in trouble and others characters either stand with or abandon him, proving their true colors as friends".
I always thought that "A friend in need is a friend indeed" had multiple meanings. There is the default about loyalty, yes, but I also thought it could mean that a friend in need is indeed a friend, which about sucking up because you need something. It could also mean "a friend in Deed", which would be about doing more than just saying you're someone's friend.
The Prince, as a work of SATIRE, does not belong in the RL section, but in Literature.
Keeper of The Celestial Flame