The Life of King Edward VII

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 181

CHAPTER XI. The Prince and His Family 191

CHAPTER XII. The Prince as a Social Leader 203

CHAPTER XIII. The Prince as a Sportsman 211

CHAPTER XIV. Habits and Character of the Prince 218

CHAPTER XV. The Prince as an Empire Statesman 234

CHAPTER XVI. The Prince as Heir Apparent 248

CHAPTER XVII. Accession to the Throne 268

CHAPTER XVIII. The First Year of the New Reign 286

CHAPTER XIX. Empire Tour of the New Heir to the Throne 305

CHAPTER XX. The King and the South African War 351

CHAPTER XXI. Preparations for the Coronation 368

CHAPTER XXII. Serious Illness of the King 380

CHAPTER XXIII. The Coronation 391