KING EDWARD VII

Edward VII --- the King of the Edwardian Era --- was the perfect monarch for this time, hence the name "The Edwardian Era." Although 59 years of age when he came to the throne, Edward Vii was already very well-known, well-liked and a very forward moving monarch. Being only a child when Edward VII came to the throne, J.B.Priestly recalled : "I can testify to his (Edward VII's) extraordinary popularity. He was in fact the most popular King England had known since the earlier 1660s."

 The eldest son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, Edward was born at 10.48 in the morning of 9th November, 1841, in Buckingham Palace. Being christened Albert Edward on 25th January, 1842, he was expected to take this name when he became King. However, Edward declined being called Albert Edward, declaring that he did not with to "undervalue the name of Albert" and diminish the status of his father with whom the "name should stand alone."

Edward VII was crowned at Westminster Abbey on 9th August, 1902. Having already married Princess Alexandra of Denmark in 1863, the couple had six children his son, George V, being his successor.

During his life, Edward was a patron of the arts and sciences and helped found the Royal College of music. Edward donated Osborne House (his parents house) on the Isle of Wight to the state and this same house can be visited even today. Edward also founded new honours, such as the Order of Merit, to recognize contributions to the arts and sciences.

Cleverly, Edward VII reintroduced the traditional ceremonies, such as the State Opening of Parliament, which endeared him to his people, as even today we love watching these very same ceremonies.

Fluent in french and German, Edward reinvented royal diplomacy by numerous state visits across Europe. Being related to nearly every other Monarch, Edward came to be known as the "uncle of Europe."

He died on 6th May, 1910, and was buried at Windsor Castle. Over 400,000 people filed past the coffin and his funeral, held on 20th May,1910, marked "the greatest assemblage of royalty and rank ever gathered in one place and, of its kind, the last."

"No, I shall not give in. I shall go on. I shall work to the end."
King Edward VII.