Description: Proclamation of the accession to the throne of Edward VII following Queen Victoria's death on 22 January 1901. Despite a reputation as a playboy during his time as Prince of Wales, and a celebrated taste for pleasure, King Edward VII revealed himself on his accession to be a monarch and a statesman of incomparable ability. His advanced age by the time of his accession in 1901 was a cause of anxiety throughout his reign -his coronation in 1902 had to be postponed due to ill-health- but he devoted the last ten years of his life to the service of his country.