When people talk about King Edward VII, they often refer to him by a nickname that speaks volumes about his lifestyle – Edward the Caresser.
And frankly, it’s a title he earned.
The king’s notorious love life was as wild as it was extensive, leaving a trail of lovers that extended well beyond his royal duties.
A Kingdom of Women
Edward’s romantic escapades spanned over a hundred women, and some say there were many more that didn’t make the record.
His most famous affair was with Alice Keppel, the great-grandmother of Queen Camilla, but she was far from the first.
The king had an insatiable appetite for women, from actresses and aristocrats to foreign princesses and even the wives of his closest friends.
His preference? As long as they agreed, he didn’t mind who they were.
But it wasn’t just the women that Edward craved.
His indulgence didn’t stop with love and affection; he also had a massive appetite for food, making his desires seem even more insatiable.
The Love-Chair: A Royal Necessity
Edward’s affairs were so infamous that they reached the ears of a French furniture maker, who crafted a special “love-chair” just for him.
This chair was designed not only to accommodate his growing waistline (he was affectionately called “Tum-Tum”) but also to support his penchant for multiple lovers at once.
It was an indulgence fit for a king, designed to allow him to pursue his passions in comfort and style.
A Life Fueled by Rebellion
But what fueled his endless need for affairs?
According to biographer Jane Ridley, Edward’s relationship with his mother, Queen Victoria, played a central role.
The king was forced into a marriage with Princess Alexandra of Denmark at just 21, a match that was arranged by his mother and sister in an effort to curb his youthful energy.
Ridley suggests that Edward’s constant infidelity was partly driven by a desire for revenge against his mother for forcing him into a loveless marriage.
The First Conquest and the Aftermath
Edward’s journey into infidelity began early.
His first alleged conquest was an actress named Nellie Clifden, which occurred when he was just 19.
His father, Prince Albert, caught wind of the affair and, during a walk in the rain, gave Edward a severe reprimanding.
Tragically, Prince Albert passed away shortly after, and Queen Victoria blamed Edward for his premature death, adding further fuel to the fire of his rebellious behavior.
Not long after his marriage, the prince was already seeking extramarital pleasure, beginning with Baroness Leonora de Rothschild and a French princess, Jeanne de Sagan.
As time went on, his escapades grew more brazen, even involving the wives of close friends.
His affairs were well known and frequently discussed in high society, with some noting that he had no qualms about pursuing women from all walks of life, even those deemed beneath his station.
A Royal Harem
For much of his life, it seemed that Edward viewed the women around him as part of his personal harem.
His relationships spanned the social spectrum, including women like Harriet Mordaunt, the wife of an MP.
He’d visit her regularly in the afternoons when the house was empty, but when her husband found out, he made sure to punish his wife by having the ponies Edward had gifted her shot in front of her.
Scandal, Blackmail, and More
Edward’s affairs weren’t without consequences.
One affair led to an unwanted pregnancy with Lady Susan Vane-Tempest, and when she threatened to expose him, he coldly cut ties with her, recommending she see a questionable doctor.
Later, she blackmailed him for money, adding another layer of scandal to his already tarnished reputation.
The list of famous women linked to Edward is lengthy, from actress Lillie Langtry to the Countess of Warwick. But these are just the most well-known.
There were many more, each adding to the complicated legacy of a king whose love life was as extravagant as it was notorious.
The Price of Pleasure
Despite his reputation, Edward’s sexual exploits came at a cost.
Many of the women with whom he had relationships sought retribution, often through blackmail or even lawsuits.
But even these challenges didn’t slow him down.
His travels to Paris, in particular, were filled with indulgence, where he frequented the Moulin Rouge, enjoying the company of prostitutes and chorus girls alike.
In fact, his sexual appetite didn’t diminish with age, though his ability to perform did.
Enter the famous love-chair, created to allow him to continue his romantic pursuits with ease.
Despite his advancing years, Edward’s drive never seemed to wane, making him one of the most colorful and controversial figures in royal history.
A Legacy of Scandal
King Edward VII’s love life was more than just a royal affair; it was a saga of rebellion, indulgence, and consequence.
His many lovers, scandalous behavior, and indulgences in both food and women became legendary.
But despite the disreputable nature of his actions, he continued his pursuits unabashedly, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most notorious kings in British history.
For a deeper dive into his colorful life, Professor Jane Ridley’s biography, Bertie: A Life of Edward VII, is an essential read.