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Edward VII (1841–1910) was King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, and Emperor of India, from 1901 until his death. The second child and eldest son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, Edward was largely excluded from political influence during his mother's reign, coming to personify the leisured, fashionable elite. Despite a reputation as a playboy prince, his tours of North America in 1860 and of India in 1875 proved to be popular successes. Edward inherited the throne upon his mother's death in 1901. He broadened the range of people with whom royalty socialised, and fostered good relations between Britain and other European countries, especially France. Nevertheless, his relationship with German emperor Wilhelm II was poor. The Edwardian era, which covered Edward's reign and was named after him, coincided with the start of a new century and heralded major changes in technology and society. He was succeeded by his only surviving son, George V. (Full article...)