The Life of King Edward VII with a sketch of the career of King George V

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[Illustration: EDWARD VII, KING OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN
AND IRELAND AND OF THE BRITISH DOMINIONS BEYOND THE SEAS, AND EMPEROR OF
INDIA

Born November 9, 1841. Ascended the throne January 22, 1901. Died May 6,
1910]




THE LIFE OF KING EDWARD VII

WITH A SKETCH OF THE CAREER OF KING GEORGE V

By J. CASTELL HOPKINS, F.S.S.

1910

_Author of "Queen Victoria, Her Life and Reign;" "Life and Work of
Mr. Gladstone;" "The Story of the Dominion", &c., &c._

Profusely Illustrated




Copyright 1910, by
W. E. Scull.




PREFACE


During a number of years' study of British institutions in their modern
development and of British public life in its adjustment to new and
changing conditions I have felt an ever-growing appreciation of the
active influence exercised by the late Sovereign of the British Empire
upon the social life and public interests of the United Kingdom and an
ever-increasing admiration for his natural abilities and rare
tactfulness of character. King Edward the Seventh, in a sixty years'
tenure of the difficult position of Heir to the British Throne, built
into the history of his country and Empire a record of which he and his
people had every reason to be proud. He had for many years the
responsibilities of a Royal position without the actual power; the
public functions of a great ruler without the resources usually
available; the knowledge, experience and statecraft of a wise Sovereign
without Regal environment.

The Prince of Wales, however, rose above the apparent difficulties of
his position and for more than a quarter of a century emulated the wise
example of his princely father--Albert the Good--and profited by the
beautiful character and unquestioned statesmanship of his august mother.
As with all those upon whose life beats the glare of ever-present
publicity and upon whose actions the press of friendly and hostile
nations alike have the privilege of ceaseless comment, the Heir to the
British Throne had to suffer from atrocious canards as well as from
fulsome compliments. Unlike many others, however, he afterwards lived
down the falsehoods of an early time; conquered by his clear, open life
the occasional hostility of a later day; and at the period of his
accession to the Throne was, without and beyond question, the best liked
Prince in Europe--the most universally popular man in the United
Kingdom and its external Empire. Upon the verge of His Majesty's
Coronation there occurred that sudden and dramatic illness which proved
so well the bravery and patience of the man, and increased so greatly
the popularity and _prestige_ of the Monarch.

Since then the late King has yearly grown in the regard of his people
abroad, in the respect of other rulers and nations, in the admiration of
all who understood the difficulties of his position, the real force of
his personality and influence, the power with which he drew to the
Throne--even after the remarkable reign of Victoria the Good--an
increased affection and loyalty from Australians and South Africans and
Canadians alike, an added confidence and loyal faith in his judgment
from all his British peoples whether at home or over seas.

In the United States, which King Edward always regarded with an
admiration which the enterprise and energy of its people so well
deserved, he in turn received a degree of respect and regard which did
not at one time seem probable. To him, ever since the visit to the
Republic in 1860, a closer and better relation between the two great
countries had been an ideal toward which as statesman and Prince and
Sovereign he guided the English-speaking race.

The reader of these pages will, I hope, receive a permanent impression
of the career and character of one who has been at once a popular
Prince, a great King, a worthy head of the British Empire and of his own
family, a statesman who has won and worn the proud title of "The Royal
Peacemaker."

J. CASTELL HOPKINS.

_Toronto, Canada, 1910._




TABLE OF CONTENTS


  CHAPTER I.
  The Crown and the Empire                                 17

  CHAPTER II.
  Early Years and Education of the Prince                  31

  CHAPTER III.
  Royal Tour of British America and the United States      47

  CHAPTER IV.
  The Royal Marriage                                       69

  CHAPTER V.
  Early Home Life and Public Duties                        79

  CHAPTER VI.
  Travels in the East                                      99

  CHAPTER VII.
  Serious Illness of the Prince                           117

  CHAPTER VIII.
  The Prince of Wales in India                            131

  CHAPTER IX.
  Thirty Years of Public Work                             162

  CHAPTER X.
  Special Functions and Interests