Figure 1.--Prince Edward and Princess Alexandra with two of their children, the two oldest boys, in a photograph taken about 1868. I believe the two are Prince Albert Victor and George, the future George V. The young princes wear identical white dresses with sashes, presumably blue ones.

Edward and Alexander waisted no time in securing the secession. The Prince and Princess of Wales first child was born unexpectedly 2 months early and weighed less than four pounds. George was also born prematurely. Prince George was a lively, normal little boy, if not overly bright. The same can not be said of his older brother. The same coud not be said about Prince Eddy. Almost from the beginning it was noticed that something was not quite right. And Eddy did not improve with age. Unfortunately he was heir to the throne. Price Eddy and Prince George were born closed together and raised together until Prince George began his naval career.

Albert Victor Saxe-Coburg (1864-1892)

The Prince and Princess of Wales first child was born unexpectedly 2 months early and weighed less than four pounds. His grandmother chose his name, of course Albert Victor. His parents added Christian Edward. Except by the Queen, the heir apparent, was known as Eddy by the family. Victoria for ever interfearing in the most mundane matters argued intermably over the name. As a child he was rather slow an awkward, perhaps afffected by the premature birth. Eddy was made the Duke of Clarence and Avondale, as his father was Prince of Whales longer than any other British monarch. His behavior, however, would have scandalized Britain had it been widely known. He mairred Annie Crook (CIR) and had a daughter.

George Saxe-Coburg (1865-1936)

George was also born prematurely. He unlike his older brother was a normal, active boy. His mother was especially attached to him and George as a boy was devoted to his "Motherdear". He was made the Duke of York and pursued a naval career. He was very happy in the navy and never expected to become the kibng. He eventually, however, succeded to the throne as George V. George was to lead Britian through the calamity of World War I and change the family name to the more English sounding Windsor. He is often criticized for the way he raised his children. Strange that Prince George as a father would develop into such a stern disciplinarian and ran a royal household almost the opposite of theone in which bhe grew up. He was a strong believer in sailor suits and kilts for boys.

Sources

Battiscombe, Georgina. Queen Alexandra (Houghton Mifflin, Boston, 1969).

Bennett, Daphne King Without a Crown: Albert Prince Consort of England, 1819-1861 (New York: J.B. Lippincott, 1977).

Created: 5:25 PM 5/18/2005
Last updated: 5:25 PM 5/18/2005