King Edward VII

NAME King Edward VII, born Albert Edward on November 9, 1841, was affectionately known as "Bertie" within the royal family. He chose the regnal name Edward VII to avoid overshadowing his father, Prince Albert, declaring he wished the name "Albert" to "stand alone" in honor.

WHAT FAMOUS FOR King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and the British Dominions, and Emperor of India, from 22 January 19011 to his death in 1910. He was also known for his social influence and his role in modernizing the British monarchy. The Edwardian era is named after him

BIRTH Edward was born at Buckingham Palace on November 9, 1841, the eldest son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.

FAMILY BACKGROUND As the second child of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, Edward was related to nearly every European monarch, earning him the nickname "Uncle of Europe." His sister, Victoria, Princess Royal, married German Emperor Frederick III, further cementing these dynastic ties.

When Lord Beaconsfield commented to Queen Victoria what a comfort her son must be to her , the unamused Queen replied "Why, I caught him smoking a fortnight after his dear Father died."

CHILDHOOD Edward’s childhood was marked by a rigorous educational regime designed by his father, Prince Albert, who sought to mold him into a model constitutional monarch. The strictness of this upbringing, which excluded fiction and emphasized rote learning, fostered rebellion rather than scholarly excellence.

Portrait by Franz Xaver Winterhalter, 1846

EDUCATION Queen Victoria and Prince Albert meticulously planned their eldest son's education, aiming to mold him into a model constitutional monarch. At seven, "Bertie" began a demanding curriculum designed by Prince Albert and overseen by various tutors.

However, unlike his elder sister, Edward struggled academically. Despite his efforts to meet his parents' high expectations, he lacked studiousness. His natural talents lay in charm, sociability, and diplomacy.

During his youth, some observers perceived him as spoiled, indolent, and occasionally unkind.

Educated at the University of Edinburgh, Christ Church, Oxford, and Trinity College, Cambridge, Edward struggled academically but thrived under historian Charles Kingsley’s tutelage at Cambridge. His education included languages, history, and cultural exposure, though he never developed a habit of reading beyond newspapers.

CAREER RECORD As Prince of Wales for nearly 60 years, Edward performed ceremonial duties and undertook diplomatic tours, including groundbreaking visits to North America (1860) and India (1875). 

His reign as king (1901–1910) saw military modernization, the establishment of the Order of Merit (1902) for arts and sciences, and the revitalization of royal public ceremonies.

APPEARANCE Edward stood 5'8" (1.73 m) with a robust build, later becoming notably overweight. His flamboyant mustache and pointed beard became iconic, as did his immaculate tailoring. 

Edward possessed a receding chin, which he attempted to conceal with his beard, though not entirely successfully. Later in life, as King, he was characterized by balding, a grey beard, and a portly physique.

Portrait by W. & D. Downey, 1900s

FASHION A trendsetter, Edward revolutionized men’s fashion by popularizing the Norfolk jacket, tweed for country pursuits, and the lounge suit for urban elegance. The "Edwardian style" included the Prince of Wales check and the deliberate unbuttoning of waistcoats—a practical choice that became a sartorial staple.

CHARACTER Edward was sociable, charming, and affable, with a love of pleasure and a reputation for extravagance. Despite his playful nature, he possessed a keen sense of duty when he ascended the throne and proved to be a capable monarch.  

Benjamin Disraeli described him as "informed, intelligent, and of sweet manner," though his aversion to intellectual rigor contrasted with his parents’ expectations. His affability made him a beloved public figure despite private indulgences.

SPEAKING VOICE His voice was described as deep and resonant, with a slight German accent inherited from his father, though tempered by his English upbringing. (1)

Fluent in French and German, he won admiration during state visits, notably in Paris (1903), where he declared, "Comme si j'étais chez moi!" ("As if I were at home!"). 

He was a confident orator when needed, though he preferred informal conversation.  

SENSE OF HUMOUR Edward had a lively, mischievous sense of humor, often indulging in witty remarks and practical jokes among friends. His lightheartedness endeared him to many, though it occasionally clashed with his mother’s stern demeanor.  

His wit was legendary. He quipped about Queen Victoria’s longevity: "I don’t mind praying to the eternal Father, but I must be the only man in the country afflicted with an eternal mother." 

RELATIONSHIPS Edward VII married Princess Alexandra of Denmark on March 10, 1863, at St. George's Chapel, Windsor. The public's fascination with the event was immense, evidenced by the 1863 exhibition of their wedding presents at the Victoria and Albert Museum, which attracted an average of 13,500 visitors daily over its 17-day run.

However, the marriage faced disapproval within certain circles due to the political climate. Queen Victoria's German relations and Denmark's conflict with Germany over Schleswig and Holstein created tension. Even Queen Victoria harbored initial reservations, and after the wedding, she frequently attempted to control their lifestyle, including the naming of their children.

Edward and Alexandra on their wedding day, 1863

Princess Alexandra, the daughter of Christian IX of Denmark, was renowned for her elegance and style. She popularized fashion trends such as high pearl dog collars with diamond bars, curled fringes, and practical day coats suited to English weather, including a distinct full-length, double-breasted pelisse.

Alexandra and Edward had six children: Albert, Duke of Clarence, who died in 1892; George, who succeeded his father as king; a third son who died in infancy; and three daughters: Princess Louise, Duchess of Fife; Princess Victoria; and Princess Maud, later Queen of Norway.

Edward maintained numerous mistresses throughout his marriage, including the actress Lilly Langtry and Jennie Jerome, Winston Churchill's mother.

His final "official" mistress was Alice Keppel, whom he met in 1898. He held her in such high regard that she was present at his deathbed in 1910, at his explicit written request.

Alice Keppel's great-granddaughter is Camilla Parker Bowles, who later became the mistress and wife of a future Prince of Wales, one of Edward's great-great-grandsons.

Alexandra's tolerance of Edward's affairs was remarkable. She even sent a sympathetic note to Alice Keppel regarding her husband's illness. At Edward's coronation, a pew was reserved for the ladies with whom he had been associated. (2)

MONEY AND FAME Edward managed finances astutely, becoming the first heir to ascend the throne debt-free, aided by financiers like Sir Ernest Cassel. His reign restored the monarchy’s public image through lavish displays and diplomatic triumphs, earning him widespread popularity.

FOOD AND DRINK King Edward VII, affectionately nicknamed "Tum Tum," possessed a legendary appetite. He enjoyed multi-course meals featuring sirloin steak, roast goose, and kidney on toast. 

His typical breakfast was a lavish affair, beginning with eggs, followed by thick slices of bacon, then fish such as turbot, lobster, or salmon, and concluding with steak or chops, often accompanied by game or poultry. This was merely a prelude to his ten-course lunch, served promptly at 1:00 PM. Dinner, equally extravagant, could stretch to twelve courses.

He had a particular fondness for grilled oysters and pheasant stuffed with snipe, all washed down with copious amounts of champagne. His robust enjoyment of food was evident in his playful retort to a footman who accidentally spilled cream on him: "My good man, I'm not a strawberry."

He famously took roast chicken to bed as a midnight snack and hosted extravagant feasts at Sandringham, serving delicacies like roast swan.

Edward's concern for his guests' well-being extended to meticulously recording their height and weight after weekends at Sandringham, ensuring they had indulged sufficiently. He also had a particular love of whitebait, and employed a man to find the smallest and most uniform fish for his meals.

The year of his coronation, 1902, coincided with the introduction of the King Edward potato, a name believed to be a culinary commemoration of the occasion.

His indulgence extended to tobacco. He was a connoisseur of fine cigars and famously smoked 12 large cigars and 20 cigarettes daily. (2)

MUSIC AND ARTS Edward enjoyed the theater, opera, and classical music, frequently attending performances. He supported the arts as a patron, though he was more an enthusiast than a practitioner.  

Edward championed the arts through Royal Command Performances, patronizing theater troupes like Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree’s company. His founding of the Order of Merit recognized luminaries in science, literature, and the arts, reflecting his cultural stewardship.

A significant moment in British media history occurred on June 27, 1896, when the first news-film shot in Britain captured the arrival of Edward, then Prince of Wales, and his wife at the Cardiff exhibition. Notably, permission to film the royal party was granted under the condition that Edward himself was not visibly featured. This early example of film documentation provides a glimpse into the public's fascination with the royal family.

Edward's interest in the dramatic arts extended to a playful, albeit unconventional, cameo. On one occasion, as a lighthearted jest, he took to the stage to portray a corpse in a scene from Victorien Sardou's play Fedora. The scene featured the renowned actress Sarah Bernhardt weeping over the body of her murdered lover, and Edward provided the still, silent "victim." (2)

LITERATURE He was not a great reader, preferring newspapers and light fiction over heavy literature. 

Though his reading habits were minimal, Edward maintained a library at Sandringham focused on travel and exploration. He received works like Ernest Shackleton’s Aurora Australis, the first book printed in Antarctica.

NATURE An avid outdoorsman, Edward cherished Sandringham Estate, where he hosted shooting parties. His love for the countryside contrasted with his urban sophistication, embodying the Edwardian elite’s dual passions.

PETS Edward's most beloved canine companion was Caesar (1898– April 18, 914), a wire Norfolk fox terrier. Caesar, sporting a collar proclaiming "I am Caesar. I belong to the King," enjoyed the luxury of his own footman. However, he was less popular with visiting ambassadors, owing to his habit of mistaking their legs for lampposts.

Upon Edward's death in 1910, Caesar was visibly distraught, wandering through Buckingham Palace in search of his departed master.

The loyal terrier played a poignant role in Edward's funeral procession, leading the cortege. A lasting tribute to their bond is a figure of Caesar at Edward's tomb in Windsor Castle. (2)

 Earlier pets included an Irish terrier named Jack and a French bulldog, Peter.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Edward excelled in horse racing, winning the Derby three times with his stallion Persimmon, as Prince of Wales. His 1909 victorious horse Minoru was the only Derby winner owned by a reigning monarch.

Edward was a passionate yachtsman. In May 1901, he experienced a dramatic moment at sea when a sudden squall capsized Sir Thomas Lipton's yacht, Shamrock, during a practice run for the America's Cup, with Edward aboard.

Known for his love of shooting, Edward employed a rather unique method to ensure his guests' punctuality at Sandringham. He set all the clocks at the royal residence half an hour ahead, guaranteeing an early start for the day's sport. (2)

He revived pigeon shooting at London’s Hurlingham Club. 

SCIENCE AND MATHS Edward supported public health initiatives, serving on commissions investigating hospital conditions and London’s elderly poor. His reign saw technological advancements like steam turbines and early automobiles.

REIGN For a man often described as a portly pleasure-seeker, King Edward VII turned out to be quite the competent monarch. When he ascended the throne on January 22, 1901 after the impossibly long reign of his mother, Queen Victoria, expectations were, let’s say, not sky-high. Edward had spent much of his adult life indulging in extravagant feasts, lavish parties, and the occasional scandal, and many assumed his reign would be little more than a well-fed intermission.

Edward VII was, in essence, Britain’s best-networked diplomat. His impressive social skills (and rather charming ability to switch effortlessly between English, French, and German) helped smooth relations across Europe. In 1904, he played a key role in the Anglo-French Entente Cordiale, a diplomatic agreement that, against all odds, got Britain and France to stop glaring at each other across the Channel. He also made history in 1908 by becoming the first British monarch to visit Russia, a move that helped ease tensions—at least until World War I blew everything up.

After Queen Victoria spent the latter half of her reign draped in black and largely avoiding public engagements, Edward VII brought back a sense of spectacle. He adored ceremony and pageantry, and he instinctively understood that a bit of well-timed grandeur could go a long way in keeping the monarchy relevant.

Despite early skepticism, Edward VII left his mark. His reign gave us the Edwardian era—an age of innovation, cultural shifts, and a sense of optimism before the storm clouds of World War I rolled in. He even founded the Order of Merit in 1902 to honor exceptional contributions to society, proving that, beneath the tailored suits and extravagant dinners, he had a genuine sense of duty.

So, while he may have been best known for his legendary appetite and impeccable fashion sense, Edward VII was far more than just a well-fed placeholder—he was, in many ways, exactly the king Britain needed at the time. 

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Edward was not deeply philosophical or theological, adhering to the Church of England as a matter of tradition rather than personal conviction.

Edward demonstrated Catholic sympathies, attending Masses and fostering ties with figures like Jesuit priest Fr. Bernard Vaughan. His detestation of anti-Catholic oaths in his coronation service underscored his ecumenical leanings.

POLITICS Pragmatic yet conservative, Edward navigated partisan divides, supporting Liberal PM Campbell-Bannerman while opposing tariff reforms. His diplomatic prowess solidified alliances with France and Russia, counterbalancing Germany’s rising influence.

His reign  saw a proper political dust-up when, in 1909, the House of Lords decided they’d rather not pass the Liberal government’s budget, thank you very much. Edward tried to mediate, but before anything was resolved, he inconveniently died in 1910. The matter was eventually settled in 1911 with the Parliament Act, which significantly reduced the Lords' power—meaning Edward, even in death, played a part in reshaping British politics.

SCANDAL Edward’s playboy lifestyle sparked scandals, including the Royal Baccarat Scandal (1890), where he testified in a cheating case. The Mordaunt Affair (1869) implicated him in adultery, straining relations with Queen Victoria.

King Edward VII's coronation on August 9, 1902 was marked by an unexpected and somewhat comical mishap. The Archbishop of Canterbury, aged and frail, struggled visibly during the ceremony. Spectators held their breath, fearing he might drop the crown as his trembling hands positioned it above the King's head. He managed to place it, but, remarkably, he put it on backwards. Despite this blunder, which went largely unnoticed, the coronation proceeded, with the King wearing his crown askew. (2)

The moment of crowning in the coronation service; painting by Edwin Austin Abbey

MILITARY RECORD Though he was never mistaken for a warrior king (his battles were mostly with hearty meals), Edward took military matters seriously. He pushed for major reforms following the rather embarrassing mismanagement of the Boer War, supported a modernization of the Royal Navy under Admiral Sir John Fisher, and helped improve the Army Medical Service—because, as it turned out, sending soldiers off to battle without proper medical care was not a great strateg

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS King Edward VII's coronation, initially set for June 26, 1902, was dramatically postponed due to a sudden health crisis. In the days leading up to the event, he experienced severe stomach pains. Two days before the scheduled coronation, he was diagnosed with appendicitis. This diagnosis came at an inopportune moment, as numerous foreign kings and princes had already arrived in London for the ceremony.

A risky, at-home operation was performed by Sir Frederick Treves, the renowned surgeon who had also cared for Joseph Merrick, the "Elephant Man." The successful surgery necessitated the postponement of the coronation until August 9, 1902.

Edward struggled with his health in later years, suffering from bronchitis and obesity due to his indulgent lifestyle. He remained active in sports until his condition worsened.  

Edward’s health declined sharply after 1907. A 1909 rodent ulcer (skin cancer) was treated with radium, but repeated heart attacks led to his death in 1910.

HOMES During his time as a student at Cambridge University, Edward resided at the historic Madingley Hall, an Elizabethan manor.

In 1862, Sandringham House in Norfolk was purchased for him, which became his beloved weekend retreat. He significantly renovated and expanded the property, reflecting his personal taste and lavish lifestyle.

He is also credited with adding the prominent balcony to the front of Buckingham Palace.

Edward and Alexandra established Marlborough House in Pall Mall as their primary London residence, and Sandringham House as their country escape. Both homes became venues for their renowned, extravagant social gatherings.

TRAVEL Edward was a frequent traveler, often vacationing at a villa near Cannes, where he enjoyed the Mediterranean climate and lifestyle.

He and Alexandra would often take extended cruises on the royal yacht Victoria and Albert during the spring months, typically between March and May. These journeys included stops in cities like Paris, allowing them to enjoy the warmer climate before returning for the London social season.

He also experienced the early stages of London's underground transportation, travelling on the first underground electric railway from King William Street to the Oval in 1890.

He embraced emerging technologies, becoming the first member of the British royal family to own and drive a motor car, a red Mercedes purchased in 1899.

In 1860, he visited Canada, establishing a precedent for goodwill visits by members of the British royal family to British dominions and foreign countries.

His diplomatic travels were particularly significant. His 1903 visit to Paris played a crucial role in fostering the 1904 Anglo-French Entente.

DEATH King Edward VII died on Friday, May 6, 1910, at Buckingham Palace at the age of 68. His final words were about his horse's victory at Kempton Park: "Yes, I have heard of it. I am very glad."

After his death, Queen Alexandra refused to allow Edward's body to be moved for eight days, though she permitted small groups of visitors to enter his room. On May 11, the late king was dressed in his uniform and placed in a massive oak coffin. The coffin was moved to the throne room on May 14, where it lay in state.

The funeral proceedings began on May 17, when the coffin was taken from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall for a public lying-in-state. Over 400,000 people filed past the coffin over the next two days.

On May 20, 1910, the state funeral took place. It was described as "the largest gathering of European royalty ever to take place" and "the last before many royal families were deposed in the First World War and its aftermath". The funeral procession went from Westminster Hall to Paddington Station, where a train conveyed the mourners to Windsor. 

The funeral ceremony was held in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle. Representatives from 70 countries attended, including numerous European monarchs and heads of state.

Initially, Edward VII's remains were placed on a bench at the entrance to the Royal Vault under the Albert Memorial Chapel at St. George's Chapel. When Queen Alexandra died in 1925, Edward's coffin was moved to be with hers in front of the altar in the Albert Memorial Chapel. Finally, on April 22, 1927, both coffins were placed in a tomb on the south side of the main altar at St. George's Chapel

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA  King Edward VII has made quite a few appearances in popular culture over the years, often portrayed as a charming, indulgent, and larger-than-life figure. Here are some notable examples:

1. Film & Television

Edward the Seventh (1975) – A lavish 13-part British miniseries with Timothy West playing the adult Edward VII. The series chronicles his long wait for the throne and his reign, highlighting both his love of leisure and his unexpected political effectiveness.

The Lost Prince (2003) – This BBC drama focuses on Edward's grandson, Prince John, but features Michael Gambon as Edward VII, portraying him as both a doting grandfather and a formidable king.

Mrs. Brown (1997) – Although Edward VII (played by David Westhead) is not the central figure, he appears as the then-Prince of Wales, frustrated by his mother Queen Victoria’s long mourning period after Prince Albert's death.

Fall of Eagles (1974) – This BBC historical drama, which explores the collapse of European monarchies, includes Charles Gray as Edward VII, portraying his diplomatic efforts to keep Europe stable.

2. Books & Literature

King Edward VII: The Last Victorian King by Christopher Hibbert – A detailed biography that captures both his extravagant lifestyle and his surprising political acumen.

Bertie: A Life of Edward VII by Jane Ridley – A well-researched and engaging biography that paints a vivid picture of his transformation from playboy prince to respected monarch.

The Heir Apparent: A Life of Edward VII, the Playboy Prince by Jane Ridley – A more in-depth look at Edward’s decades as Prince of Wales and how that shaped his rule.

To Marry an English Lord by Gail MacColl & Carol Wallace – This book about American heiresses marrying into British aristocracy features Edward VII as a prominent social figure who often mingled with these wealthy families.

3. Documentaries

Edward VII: Prince of Pleasure (2000, BBC) – A documentary exploring his dual reputation as a pleasure-loving aristocrat and a skilled statesman.

The Royal House of Windsor (2017, Netflix/Channel 4) – While mainly about the Windsor dynasty, the documentary touches on Edward VII’s impact on modernizing the monarchy. 

ACHIEVEMENTS Edward’s legacy includes the Entente Cordiale, military modernization, and the Order of Merit. His reign bridged Victorian tradition and 20th-century progress, leaving an indelible mark on British diplomacy, culture, and monarchy

Sources (1) Ed West.co.uk (2) Encyclopaedia of Trivia