King Edward VII 1902-1910

Albert Edward as he was christened was born at Buckingham Palace 9th November 1841 eldest son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. King Edward VII ascended to the throne upon the death of Queen Victoria on 22nd January 1901, by which time he was 59 years old. His long wait as heir apparent earned him a reputation as something of a playboy which was not well received by his mother. Despite this English novelist J. B. Priestley recalled later, "I was only a child when he succeeded Victoria in 1901, but I can testify to his extraordinary popularity. He was in fact the most popular king England had known since the earlier 1660s." King Edward's VII coronation went ahead on August 9th 1902 after initially being planned for June 6th a postponement forced by the new king falling ill with appendicitis. Although named officially as Albert Edward he choose to rule under the name Edward VII stating that he did not wish to "undervalue the name of Albert" and diminish the status of his father with whom the "name should stand alone".

Edward died on 6th May 1910 at the age of 68yrs at the place of his birth Buckingham Palace. During his later years he increasingly suffered from bronchitis which lead to him having several heart attacks on the day of his death. Refusing to take to his bed, saying, "No, I shall not give in; I shall go on; I shall work to the end." It is reported that the Kings final words were "Yes, I have heard of it. I am very glad" after being told of his horse 'Witch of the Air' win at Kempton Part that afternoon.

1903 King Edward VII Gold Sovereign (London) AUNC