England - Periods - Victorian 1831-1913

Edward VII

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King Edward VII, also known as Albert Edward, was born on November 9, 1841, in London, England. He was the eldest son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and was educated privately at home. As a child, Edward was close to his siblings and enjoyed a happy and privileged upbringing. He was known for his mischievous nature and love of practical jokes, as well as his interest in sports and the arts.

As he grew older, Edward began to take on more official duties as Prince of Wales. He was a popular and well-liked figure, known for his affable personality and social skills. He enjoyed hosting parties and social events, and was a regular attendee at the opera, theatre, and other cultural events. He was also an avid sportsman and enjoyed hunting, shooting, and fishing.

In 1863, Edward married Princess Alexandra of Denmark, and the couple had six children together. Their marriage was a happy one, and Alexandra was a popular figure in her own right, known for her beauty and charitable works.

As Prince of Wales, Edward was involved in many political and social activities. He supported social reforms, including the creation of old-age pensions, the passing of the Trade Disputes Act, and the introduction of the Education Act of 1902, which established a system of elementary education for all children in England and Wales.

Edward was also involved in international affairs and played a key role in improving relations between Britain and other European countries. He was instrumental in negotiating the Entente Cordiale, which was an agreement between Britain and France that helped to resolve many long-standing disputes and tensions. The Entente Cordiale paved the way for greater cooperation between Britain and France, and helped to create a more stable political environment in Europe.

Edward's reputation as a monarch was generally positive, as he was seen as a charismatic and influential figure who played a key role in shaping the political and cultural landscape of his time. He was known for his love of sports, fashion, and the arts, as well as his diplomatic skills and social reforms. He was also a patron of the arts and a supporter of the British Empire Exhibition, which was held in London in 1908.

Edward VII died on May 6, 1910, at Buckingham Palace in London, at the age of 68. He had been suffering from bronchitis and was also diagnosed with an enlarged heart. His death was met with widespread mourning and tributes from around the world. He was succeeded by his son, King George V, who continued many of his father's policies and reforms.

Overall, King Edward VII is remembered as a monarch who played an important role in shaping the political and cultural landscape of his time. His love of sports, fashion, and the arts helped to create a more vibrant and diverse society in Britain, while his diplomatic skills helped to improve relations between Britain and other European countries. He was a popular and influential figure who earned the respect and admiration of many people around the world.

Edward and Victoria

King Edward VII had a complicated relationship with his mother, Queen Victoria. As the eldest son, Edward was the heir apparent to the throne, but he had a strained relationship with his mother during his youth. Victoria was known for being strict and controlling, and she had high expectations for her children. Edward, in particular, was often criticized by his mother for his behavior and his choice of friends.

However, as Edward grew older and became more involved in official duties, his relationship with his mother began to improve. Victoria came to appreciate her son's affable personality and social skills, and they became closer in the later years of her reign.

Despite this improved relationship, there were still some tensions between Edward and his mother. Victoria was known for being a staunch traditionalist and was reluctant to allow her son to take on too much responsibility. She was also wary of Edward's social life, which she saw as being frivolous and inappropriate for a future king.

Edward's waiting to become king was a source of frustration for him, as he felt that he was ready and able to take on the responsibilities of the monarchy. However, Victoria was known for being reluctant to abdicate or pass on her duties to her son, and it was not until her death in 1901 that Edward finally ascended to the throne.

Despite the challenges that he faced, Edward VII was a popular and influential monarch who played a key role in shaping the political and cultural landscape of his time. His love of sports, fashion, and the arts helped to create a more vibrant and diverse society in Britain, while his diplomatic skills helped to improve relations between Britain and other European countries.

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Reference: Article by Greg Scott (Staff Historian), 2024

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