9 November 1841
Prince of Wales is born

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Queen Victoria gives birth to Albert Edward in Buckingham Palace. He is her second child, after Princess Vicky, and, as the eldest son, becomes prince of Wales and heir to the throne. Known to the people as Prince Edward and to his friends as Bertie, he is educated at Edinburgh, Oxford and Cambridge universities. In 1860, he visits Canada and establishes a tradition of royal visits to British colonies and foreign countries.

In 1863, he marries Alexandra, eldest daughter of Christian IX of Denmark. The couple take over most of the monarch's court and public duties in 1861, when Prince Albert dies, and they continue to perform them in the queen's place for the next ten years. Edward travels widely and is liked at home for his interest in sport, especially racing: he owns many champion horses. He and Alexandra have three daughters and two sons. The prince becomes Edward VII on the queen's death in 1901.

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