Today marks the wedding of King Edward VII and Danish Princess Alexandra, who were married at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor in 1863.
To mark the occasion, we will be looking back at the history and reign of King Edward VII…
Early Life
King Edward VII was officially born Prince Albert Edward on 9th November 1841 at Buckingham Palace, although, he was also known as ‘Bertie’ to his family and friends. He was the eldest son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and the second born out of nine children.
He was made the Prince of Wales in December 1841 and baptised at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor in January 1842. Other titles the he was given during his lifetime were: a King of the Garter in 1858, a Knight of Thistle in 1867, and a Knight of St Patrick in 1868.
Wedding
Prince Albert Edward met his future wife, Princess Alexandra of Denmark, in September 1861 at the Cathedral at Speyer, Germany. The following September at the Royal Palace of Laeken in Belgium, he proposed to Alexandra, which she accepted.
On 10th March 1863, the future King Edward VII married Princess Alexandra of Denmark at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor; making it the first royal wedding to be held at the venue. After the wedding, the couple boarded a train to celebrate their honeymoon at Osbourne House on the Isle of Wight.
The couple had a total of six children together: Prince Albert Victor, King George V, Princess Louise, Princess Victoria, Princess Maud and Prince Alexander John.
Reign
On January 22nd 1901, Queen Victoria sadly passed away, which led to Prince Albert Victor becoming King Edward VII, King of the United Kingdom and Emperor of India, at the age of 56.
However, King Edward VII’s coronation had to be postponed from 26th June to 9th August 1902 due to him falling ill from appendicitis.
During his reign, the King had interests in military and naval matters, and in foreign affairs. He made many visits abroad and became known as the ‘Uncle of Europe’ due to his relation to nearly every Continental sovereign.
Death
Towards the end of his life, King Edward VII became increasingly ill with bronchitis. On the 6th May 1910 the King suffered several heart attacks and passed away shortly afterwards at 68 years of age. He was buried at St George’s Chapel, Windsor on 20th May 1910. His son ascended to the throne and became King George V.
Take a look at the original British threepence coins of each monarch of the house of Windsor, including King Edward VII HERE
