1. Edward’s death brought Europe’s royals together – within a few years, they would all be at war
Given his prodigious apatite and his love of cigars and cigarettes, the royal physicians were not surprised when Edward collapsed on a state visit to Germany in 1909. He returned to London but never really recovered. The king died on 6 May 1910. His body lay in state for 2 weeks. During this time, 400,000 of his subjects walked past his coffin to pay their respects. At Edward’s funeral, almost all of Europe’s royals came together, united in grief. Within a few years, however, they would all be at war.
Where did we find this stuff? Here are our sources:
“The Heir Apparent: A Life of Edward VII, the Playboy Prince.” Washington Post, January 2014.
“The King’s Racehorses.” The Hathi Trust.
“Edward VII: Biography & Facts.” Encyclopaedia Britannica.
“We’re all shocked! Read all about Edward VII’s scandalous sex life.” USA Today, June 2017.
“Edward VII’s Christmas Banquet Aboard HMS Serapis.” Royal Menus.
“The Fashions of Edward VII.” Bizarre Victoriana.
“Edward VII and his Jewish Court.” Anthony Allfrey. Thistle Publishing. 2013
“1900 Daimler: The first car fit for a king.” The Globe and Mail, September 2012.