May 7, 1910: Edward VII, England’s King, called by death; Dead monarch was most beloved ruler of all Europe
Edward VII, King of the English, died at 11:45 o’clock last night.
The Prince of Wales is King, assuming the title of George V, and took the oath before the privy council at 2 o’clock this afternoon.
Coming so suddenly the death of the King cannot but bring the greatest sorrow to the nation, in whose hearts Edward, first as Prince of Wales, and afterward, as sovereign, has held place. Edward VII’s short reign has been a history of stirring times. It opened with the conclusion of peace after a long and trying campaign in South Africa, and concludes as the crisis of one of the most momentous political struggles between the peers and commons. In a day the political outlook of Great Britain has been revolutionized.
Gathered around the bedside of the dying King were the queen and princesses. No hope had been held out throughout the day for recover of his majesty, whose death, it is believed, was due to pneumonia, following bronchitis contracted shortly after his return from Biarritz. Only a day or two ago the King was conducting the business of state and giving audiences, but on Wednesday he was compelled to submit to physicians’ orders. Sine then until the end his decline was rapid.
The Prince of Wales succeeded to the throne immediately, according to the laws of the kingdom, without official ceremony. His first official act in pursuance of custom, was to despatch to the Lord-Mayor the announcement of his father’s death.
His telegram read:
“I am deeply grieved to inform you that my beloved father, the King, passed away peacefully at 11:45 tonight. Signed, George.”
When Edward VII breathed his last there came to a close the life of a unique personality. He was loved almost universally, first of all as a man whose natural attributes made him dear to the hearts of his subjects and next as a monarch whose ability to fulfill the roll he was called on to assume was demonstrated conspicuously.
This continues the Appeal’s review of news stories and headlines during its Sesquicentennial year.
