By Press Release
In the Isle of Wight Observer 9th February 1901, the editor reflects at some length on the accession to the throne of King Edward VII, after the death of his mother, Queen Victoria on 22nd January. The same sentiments could be written today!
THE NEW KING
The union of a newly succeeded Sovereign and his people is much like that of a human marriage. There is a honeymoon of bright hopes and blissful novelty, in which neither side perceives that the other can do wrong. There is the long period of practical experience, when the honeymoon gloss has worn off and the hard realities and imperfections of life appear. The early or honeymoon stage of the new reign has commenced auspiciously. The time-honoured form of proclamation never spoke more truly than when it declared that His Majesty Edward VII was called to the throne by his loyal subjects with one heart and voice. Not only is His Majesty the unanimous choice of his own people, but his succession to the throne is approved by the rulers and peoples of the earth generally. Let not our trust in his gracious Majesty be lessened when the period of joyous congratulation and acceptance is passed. It is a duty to point out that, however amiable and able a monarch, Edward VII is but a man; and that, coming more prominently into public view than did her late lamented Majesty, he will be more open to popular criticism. The very highest hopes have been nurtured by the King’s first words and actions. His frank and manly speech to his Privy Council, when, in assuming the power of the Crown, he accepted the responsibilities of a constitutional ruler, secured him at once the confidence and support of his people. To those who ask what effect the new reign will have on the course of politics, domestic or foreign, the best answer will be to say that things will go on as before.
