Antique Image of the Day: The Coronation Procession of Edward VII

Coronation Progress
Bejamin Stone, 1902
The Victoria & Albert Museum

Taken in 1902 by Sir Benjamin Stone, this rarely-seen photograph shows part of the procession following the Coronation of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra in 1902. Here, we see the carriage of their Royal Highnesses, the Duke of Cambridge, Princess Louise and Princess Victoria on the occasion of the Royal Progress through London,. I wonder what those three were thinking as they made their way back to Buckingham Palace following the coronation of their dissolute older brother, “Bertie.”

Edward VII, the eldest son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert (and father of King George V) was something of a thorn in his mother’s side, especially later in life. But, even at birth, she was somewhat bored with him. For as often as she was pregnant, Queen Victoria loathed pregnancy and childbirth and often wrote long missives detailing how uncomfortable and awful she thought being pregnant was. Once her children were born and until their adulthood, she had little to do with them. Though this may sound cruel and cold, one must consider the parenting style of the time and the fact that, as Queen, she had other things to do.

Victoria detested distractions from her two great loves: being Queen and her husband, Albert. Even her own children, it seems, were something of a nuisance.