Edward VII

Edward was a casanova. Despite being married to Princess Alexandra, he had a long list of mistresses which gained him the reputation of a playboy. Strangely, Princess Alexandra was aware of many of his affairs and accepted them. He is said to have been a regular visitor to Parisian brothels.

King Edward VII was heavily involved in smoking. He smoked about 20 cigarettes and 12 cigars per day. This persistent habit led to rodent cancer which was eventually treated in 1907. However, due to the bad habit, he suffered from bronchitis.

King Edward VII was born as Albert Edward to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, on November 9, 1841 in Buckingham Palace. He was popularly known by his nickname Bertie.

Being the eldest son of the royal family, he automatically gained the titles, Duke of Cornwall and Duke of Rothesay. He succeeded his father as Prince of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha and Duke of Saxony. Other titles held by him include Prince of Wales, Earl of Chester, Earl of Dublin, Knight of the Garter and the Thistle.

Young Edward spent much of his early life meeting the unrealistic expectations of his parents for his ideal academic career. Following a rigorous educational routine, he matriculated from Christ Church, Oxford, in 1859.

Completing his preliminary education, he gained admission at Trinity College, Cambridge. It was at Cambridge that he enjoyed academic studies, excelling at Modern History taught by Charles Kingsley. Unlike his sister Victoria who was academically proficient, Edward was instead a charmer, with a friendly disposition.

Edward wanted to pursue a career in military but his mother vetoed the idea. Nevertheless, he joined the army and within a short period moved up the ladder to serve as the lieutenant colonel.

In 1861, Edward, despite being engaged to Princess Alexandra, was involved in a scandalous love affair with actress Nellie Clifton. Distraught by his playboy ways, his father passed away. Queen Victoria, who was deeply in remorse, blamed Edward for the death of his father.

Following the death of Prince Albert, Queen Victoria went into a perpetual state of mourning. She retreated herself from public life. Though Edward was allowed to represent her on state occasions, he wasn’t allowed to participate in the affairs of state.

With no political duties to carry, Edward became increasingly involved in wasteful activities. He became a leader of the London society and spent much of his time eating, drinking, gambling, shooting, racing and sailing.

In 1871, a brush with death improved his relations with the public as well as his mother, Queen Victoria. From the mid-1870s, Edward embarked on a tour to India. The tour was highly successful and upon his return, Queen Victoria received the title of Empress of India.

During his reign, King Edward VII played an instrumental role in re-organizing the British Army and Navy following the Second Boer War. He redesigned the army command by creating a Territorial Force. He allowed for modernization of the British Home Fleet and suggested reformation of the Royal Navy as well.

King Edward VII was lauded as a ‘Peacemaker’, for helping foster good relations between Britain and France. His affable nature and friendly disposition helped Britain have good terms with other European nations as well.