Albert Edward - King Edward VII

Edward VII. (9 November 1841 - 6 May 1910) was King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and the British Dominions and Emperor of India from 22 January 1901 until his death. He was the first British monarch of the House Sachsen-Coburg and Gotha, who was his successor George V later renamed the Windsor dynasty.
Edwardian period, which covered the period of his reign, coincided with the beginning of the new 20th century brought significant changes in technology and science, including development of aviation growth of socialism and the labour movement. Eduard played an important role in the development of British naval fleet, military health services and the reorganization of the British army after the Second Boer War. Promote good relations between Great Britain and other European countries, especially France.

Photo by Stefan Schäfer

Born on 9 November 1841 at Buckingham Palace in London, the eldest son of Queen Victoria and her husband Albert. As the eldest son and heir to the throne (Crown Prince), he was awarded shortly after the birth of the traditional title of Prince of Wales (Prince of Wales). In 1863 he gave the succession to the Duchy of Saxony-Kobursko-Gothaj (Germany) in favour of his younger brother Alfred.
His parents decided that Edward should have an education that would prepare him for the role of the British monarch. The study results were not too good. Edward's quality consisted rather in his charm, sociability and tact. After a short study stay in Rome he studied at Edinburgh University and later at Christ Church College in Oxford.
In 1860, as the successor to the throne took his first trip to North America. His sense of humour and selected social behaviour supported a great result paths. Anywhere in America appeared, he was greeted with enthusiastic crowds and his visit contributed to an improvement in relations between Great Britain and the United States and to strengthen Edward's confidence.
After his return, he wanted to pursue a career in the military, but as heir to the throne he was prevented. In September 1861 he was sent to Germany ostensibly to observe military exercises, but the main reason was his meeting with Princess Alexandra of Denmark. This meeting was organized at the initiative of the parents of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, who came to the opinion that Edward and Alexandra should marry.