The Coronation of the British monarch King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra took place in Westminster Abbey (the Abbey Church of St. Peter), London, on Thursday 26 June 1902. He was the first British monarch of the House of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. Edward's mother Queen Victoria had died eighteen months earlier at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight, on 22 January 1901. Edward, or Albert Edward, or Bertie, was born at Buckingham Palace, London, on 9 November 1841. His wife, Queen Alexandra was a Princess of Denmark, elder daughter of King Christian IX of Denmark. They were married at St. George's Chapel, Windsor on 10 March 1863.
Before the death of his mother and his own accession to the throne, Edward held the title of Prince of Wales. No-one since Edward has been heir apparent to the throne for a longer period. During his reign, now called the Edwardian period, the office of the Prime Minister saw its first official recognition. Edward VII was the first British monarch to visit Russia. This happened in 1908. He had also assisted in modernising the British Home Fleet. His interest in seafaring and the Navy earned him the name of 'Sailor King'.
Edward VII reigned from 22 January 1901 until his death on 6 May 1910.
From the guide to the Invitations to the Royal Coronation of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, 26 June 1902, 1902, (Edinburgh University Library)
