British Kings "Bullet Book," Edward VII, 1901 - 1910

BillJones

1902 Matte Proof Two Pounds of Edward VII

• Edward VII was the second child and first born son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.

• Edward was the heir-apparent for 59 years before he became king. That record stood until the modern Prince Charles eclipsed that mark in 2011.

• Normally his royal name would have been Albert I, but he chose to use Edward because that would preserve the royal name “Albert” for his father.

• Victoria and Albert were very strict with Edward, perhaps too strict. As is often the case, Edward reacted with defiance. He was poor student in school, and once he reached his teen years and his adulthood, he became a playboy and hedonist with a lack of discipline.

• Countering his wild behavior, Edward had an engaging personality and was well liked. He genuinely cared for people and was a popular figure in England despite his many dalliances with women other than his wife. His many social skills would make him into an effective diplomat through out his life.

• Edward married Alexandra of Denmark. They genuinely liked each other, and the marriage was a great success. Alexandra chose to look past Edward’s many affairs.

• Edward’s flamboyant lifestyle added some much needed spice to the image of the royal family which otherwise dark and morose because of Victoria’s 40 year long period of morning that followed the death of Prince Albert.

• Edward’s coronation was delayed by six weeks because of appendicitis. Once it took place, it was a grand affair which ushered in “the Edwardian Age.” Although was king for less than 10 years, it was an age of fun and enjoyment.

• Major societal advances were made—trade unions were recognized, old age pensions began and national insurance programs for health care and unemployment were launched.

• Edward proved to be an effective diplomat. During his reign he used his charm with the leaders of Europe, who were often his relatives, to preserve the peace. He was instrumental in concluding the Entente Cordiale, which sealed an alliance with Britain’s long time enemy, France.

• Edward VII died on May 6, 1910 from bronchial complications.

SaorAlba

It is oft said that Queen Victoria very much wanted him to reign as King Albert - in memory of her husband of course, but also her Uncle Albert King of the Belgians. Similarly his Grandson was named Albert - but when he was born he was the second son and was not likely to have assumed the throne. But his older brother, David, ruling as Edward VIII changed all that and Albert assumed the throne as King George VI.

Alas, Queen Victoria never got her aspirations realized.

asheland

Great thread, Bill.

rwyarmch

My only Edward VII piece. BHM 3735 by F. Bowcher with Lord Roberts on horseback on the reverse.

DNW auction image.

SaorAlba

@rwyarmch that is truly a magnificent medal.

ShadyDave

Awesome post as always! Thanks Bill...