Edward VII

Lore & Background

Edward, nicknamed 'Bertie', was born at Buckingham Palace on 9 November 1841. His parents imposed a rigorous education to prepare him as a model constitutional monarch, but he did not excel academically, though he possessed charm, sociability, and tact. He toured North America in 1860 and the Indian subcontinent in 1875, both popular successes. His reputation as a playboy prince soured his relationship with his mother, Queen Victoria, who blamed him for his father's death in 1861.

He married Princess Alexandra of Denmark in 1863; the couple had six children. Edward had numerous mistresses throughout his married life, including Lillie Langtry and Alice Keppel. He inherited the throne on his mother's death in 1901. As king, he played a role in modernising the British Home Fleet and reorganising the British Army after the Second Boer War. He re-instituted traditional ceremonies and broadened the range of people with whom royalty socialised.

Reader's Guide

Edward VII's reign, known as the Edwardian era, coincided with the start of a new century and heralded significant changes in technology and society, including steam turbine propulsion and the rise of socialism. He fostered good relations between Britain and other European countries, especially France, for which he was popularly called 'Peacemaker', though his relationship with his nephew, German Emperor Wilhelm II, was poor. His reign strengthened the popularity of the British monarchy. He died in the midst of a constitutional crisis that was resolved by the Parliament Act 1911, which restricted the power of the unelected House of Lords. He was succeeded by his only surviving son, George V.

Did You Know?

• Edward was known as 'Bertie' to the royal family throughout his life.
• He undertook the first tour of North America by a Prince of Wales in 1860.
• He was popularly called 'Peacemaker' for fostering good relations with France.
• At least fifty-five liaisons are conjectured during his married life.