King Edward VII

Edward VII
King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, Emperor of India
Reign	22 January 1901 – 6 May 1910
Coronation	9 August 1902
Predecessor	Queen Victoria
Successor	George V
Born	9 November 1841 Buckingham Palace, London, England
Died	6 May 1910 (aged 68) Buckingham Palace, London, England
Burial	St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle
Spouse	Alexandra of Denmark
Issue	George V, Louise, Princess Royal and Duchess of Fife, Princess Victoria, Maud, Queen of Norway, Prince Alexander John of Wales
House	House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha
Father	Albert, Prince Consort
Mother	Queen Victoria

Edward VII (Albert Edward; 9 November 1841 – 6 May 1910) was King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, and Emperor of India, from 22 January 1901 until his death in 1910. The eldest son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, Edward was related to royalty throughout Europe. Before his accession to the throne, he was heir apparent and held the title of Prince of Wales for longer than any of his predecessors.

Edward's reign, known as the Edwardian era, was a period of significant change in society and technology. His extensive travels throughout the British Empire and the wider world helped to modernize many aspects of British society and government. He played a crucial role in the modernization of the British Home Fleet and the reorganization of the British Army after the Second Boer War.

Early Life and Education

Edward was born at Buckingham Palace in 1841. He was the second child and first son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Educated privately at home, Edward attended Christ Church, Oxford, and later served in the British Army, seeing ceremonial duties in Ireland.

Marriage and Family

In 1863, Edward married Princess Alexandra of Denmark, with whom he had six children. The marriage was arranged by his parents and proved to be happy, despite Edward's numerous affairs, which were well known and caused Alexandra considerable distress.

Public Role and Duties

As Prince of Wales, Edward's lengthy wait for the throne allowed him extensive travel and social opportunities, which he used to gain public support and foster diplomatic ties. He was involved in many public duties and was instrumental in the establishment of several institutions, including the Royal College of Music.

Accession and Reign

Upon his mother's death in 1901, Edward ascended the throne as Edward VII. His coronation was initially postponed due to an emergency appendectomy, demonstrating the advances in medical science at the time. His reign saw the entente cordiale with France, which marked the end of longstanding tensions between the two nations.

Legacy

Edward VII is credited with helping to modernize the British monarchy. He reformed the military and navy, and his good relations with Europe's major powers helped to create an atmosphere conducive to the signing of the Entente Cordiale. He was succeeded by his son, George V, upon his death in 1910.

Death and Succession

Edward died in 1910 from pneumonia, a complication of bronchitis. He was buried in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, after a state funeral attended by huge crowds and numerous dignitaries from around the world.