VISIT OF KING EDWARD AND QUEEN
ALEXANDRA TO THE CITY OF LONDON AT THE GUILDHALL |
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Searle & Co.: England, 1902, Bronze, 72 mm Edward VII (1841-1910), King of Great Britain and Ireland, and of the British Dominions beyond the Seas, and Emperor of India (1901-1910), was the son of Queen Victoria. In 1863, Edward married Princess Alexandra of Denmark, the eldest daughter of Prince Christian of Denmark. He became king at the age of 60 on Victoria’s death in 1901, but the Boar War and illness caused the coronation to be postponed until August 1902. As Prince of Wales, Edward was excluded from government by Victoria because of his lifestyle, which involved him in a number of social scandals. But Edward's reign, now called the Edwardian period after him, saw the first official recognition of the office of the Prime Minister, the modernization of the British Home Fleet, the reform of the Army Medical Services, and the reorganization of the British army after the Second Boer War. He also fostered good relations between Great Britain and other European countries, especially France. He was succeeded by his son, George V. This medal commemorates the visit of Edward VII and Queen Alexandra to the Guildhall in London. It was issued on October 25, 1902, a few months after the King’s coronation, a delay that allowed him to recover from his operation. The procession associated with this visit traveled from Eaton Square, to Buckingham Palace and other noteworthy places in London, finally ending at the Guildhall. At the Guildhall a Royal Address was read congratulating the king on his coronation and his restoration to health. |
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