King Edward VII

Edward was 59 when he became Edward VII in January 1901. He had been waiting most of his adult life for his career to begin, and had spent the time living the good life – eating, drinking, smoking, partying, womanizing. Paris was his favorite city. He was a genial man, well liked by the public.

His reign was very different from his mother’s. Edward was much more a man of the people, making many public appearances and sharing similar interests with his subjects. He also took an active part in foreign policy, and with his royal visits to other countries he forged important alliances. He was more forward-looking as well, embracing new inventions - he bought a motor-car as soon as they became available.

Edward’s indulgent lifestyle eventually took its toll. He had a series of heart attacks and died just before midnight on 6 May 1910 at the age of 68.