Edward VII smoked at least 20 cigarettes and 12 cigars a day. And when he died of emphysema and a series of heart attacks in 1910, he had both his wife and mistress at his bedside. It took 8 days for the undertakers to get permission from Queen Alexandra to take Bertie’s body. She remained devoted and just couldn’t part with him.
He had become the ‘People’s King’ even though he had been a difficult, overweight and a philandering prince and king. He had also embarrassed his father, Albert. And this mother, Queen Victoria, held him responsible for the death of his father.
But, he had more success than Queen Victoria in connecting with the people. And the empire had great affection for their king.
As he was so popular, it was decided to have his body lay in state in Westminster Hall. This magnificent 900 year old hall is the oldest in the Parliamentary estate. The queue to see the king stretched for over 7 miles.
Edward VII was the first British monarch to lie in state, a practice which has continued to this day.
Read more about William the Conqueror who became the first king of England.
