Despite this, he was very popular with most of the British people. Domestically, Edward did not support women's suffrage nor attempts to redistribute wealth through taxes. There was a rise in socialism and attention to the plight of the poor as well as a push for women's voting rights. Though the rigid British class system held firm, rapid industrialization increased economic opportunity, creating conditions that allowed for more social mobility, and with it, more social change. The Edwardian period (1901-1910) was seen as the golden age for the upper class in Britain.

Following the Boer War (1899-1902), he played an active role in reforming the military, pressing for an army medical service and the building of the modern Dreadnought battleships. He helped negotiate the Triple Entente between Britain, France and Russia, which played an important role in World War I. Edward used his fluency in French and German to shuttle across Europe and meet with major heads of state. His effusive personality and likable character soon won over much of the British population. Crowned King Edward VII in August 1902, Edward had been the longest heir apparent (59 years) in British history (that record has now been surpassed by Prince Charles.) Upon ascending the throne, he threw himself into his new role with energy and enthusiasm and restored the sparkle to the monarchy. Crowned King, an Effective Leader EmergesĪll this changed on January 22, 1901, when Queen Victoria died.

As a result, he spent much of his time on the London social scene, eating, drinking, gambling and acquiring a reputation as a playboy. He took his seat in the House of Lords as the Duke of Cornwall, but had few or no administrative duties. With Queen Victoria's retreat from public life, Edward was allowed to represent her at official state events, but not given any responsibility in political matters. Actresses Sarah Bernhardt and Lillie Langtry, as well as Lady Randolph Churchill ( Winston's mother) and Alice Keppel (great-grandmother of Camilla, wife of Charles, the current Prince of Wales) were among his many trysts. Edward continued to have many affairs throughout his marriage. Queen Victoria fell into a deep depression and blamed Edward for her husband's death, never to forgive him. The affair was ended, but two weeks later Albert fell ill and died of typhoid on December 14, 1861. So distraught was his father, Prince Albert, over the disgrace to the royal family, that he personally went to his son to reprimand him. Before his marriage but after his engagement, Edward fell into a scandalous love affair with actress Nellie Clifton. The marriage, arranged by Edward's parents, produced six children, five of whom lived to adulthood. On March 10, 1863, Prince Edward married Princess Alexandra of Denmark. During his short time in the army, he rose to the level of lieutenant colonel through honorary promotions. His mother vetoed that idea, hoping to keep him safe for the throne. As was customary for members of British royalty, Prince Edward attended Oxford and Cambridge universities and soon after declared his desire to pursue a career in the military. Known as 'Bertie' within the family, he was subjected to a strict regimen to prepare him for the throne. The eldest son of Prince Albert and Queen Victoria, the future Edward VII was born Albert Edward on November 9, 1841. His reforms of the military and navy prepared them well for World War I. A popular member of social and sporting circles, Edward VII strengthened England's ties with the rest of Europe, although his relationship with Germany's emperor - his nephew - was rocky. Edward VII became king upon the death of his mother, Queen Victoria, in 1901.

Queen victoria's mother's family tree