Sir James Reid, 1st Baronet

Edouard VII se promène sur la plage de Biarritz avec son médecin, sir CIPB0250

Ellon Castle, Aberdeenshire

Sir James Reid, 1st Baronet (1849–1923) was a prominent British physician known for his role as the personal physician to Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom. His medical service to the queen, from 1881 until her death in 1901, marked him as a significant figure in the royal household and in the broader medical community of his time.

Early Life and Education

Sir James Reid was born in Ellon, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, in 1849. He pursued his medical education at the University of Aberdeen, where he graduated with a degree in medicine. Reid's early career was marked by a dedication to advancing his medical knowledge and skills, a pursuit that would eventually lead him to the highest echelons of British society.

Career

After completing his education, Reid began his medical career in Scotland. However, his professional life took a significant turn when he was appointed as a physician to Queen Victoria. This role not only elevated his status but also placed him at the center of the Victorian era's medical practices within the royal household.

As the personal physician to the queen, Reid was responsible for overseeing her overall health and for providing medical care during her later years. His close relationship with Queen Victoria and his position within the royal household allowed him insights into the personal and public life of one of the most influential monarchs in British history.

Reid's medical service to Queen Victoria was characterized by his commitment to the well-being of his patient and his ability to navigate the complexities of court life. His tenure saw him attending to the queen during her travels, managing her various health issues, and ultimately, being by her side during her final illness and death in 1901.

Later Life and Legacy

Following the death of Queen Victoria, Sir James Reid continued to serve the royal family, albeit in a less prominent role. He was created a Baronet, of Ellon in the County of Aberdeen, in 1897, in recognition of his service to the queen and the monarchy.

Reid's contributions to medicine and his unique role in the royal household have been noted in various historical accounts. His personal and professional papers provide valuable insights into the medical practices of the time and the intimate workings of the Victorian royal household.

Sir James Reid, 1st Baronet, died in 1923. His legacy is preserved through his contributions to the field of medicine and his significant role in the history of the British monarchy.

Honours and Recognition

Throughout his career, Reid received several honors in recognition of his service and contributions to medicine and the monarchy. His baronetcy, awarded in 1897, was a testament to his esteemed position in British society.

See Also

• Queen Victoria
• Victorian era
• Royal physician
• British nobility