On 24 June 1902, and two days before his coronation, King Edward VII (aka ‘Bertie) was diagnosed with appendicitis and underwent an emergency operation.
Thankfully, the operation was a complete success and the king was smoking cigars in his bed the following day – although the coronation had to be postponed and did not take place until 9 August 1902.
To give you a taste of how the dramatic news of the King’s illness was received at the time, here is a news report from ‘The Burnley Express’ of 25 June 1902.
Burnley Express – Wednesday 25 June 1902
Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000283/19020625/024/0003
Burnley Express – Wednesday 25 June 1902
Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000283/19020625/024/0003
Burnley Express – Wednesday 25 June 1902
Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000283/19020625/024/0003
