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 the life and times of King Edward the Seventh CHAPTER

I.

THE SON-THE FATHER In Camp at the Curragh Visit from Queen Victoria A Trip and its Result Introduction to Princess Alexandra A Betrothal Rumoured Making Alexandra's Ancestry Some Points of Racial Affinity* Home Life in Copenhagen Ready at Marlborough House The Prince Consort's Indisposition The Trent Affair A Curious Presentiment The Illness Becomes Serious Diagnosed as Typhoid Fever Hopes and Fears Death of the Prince Consort His Place and Power in the Nation The Funeral National and Personal Memorials. Ceremony

Prince Edward

as an Undergraduate

to Germany

THE

new

year

1861

saw

the

future King Edward VII. back again at his books at Trinity College, Cambridge, this time as an under Dr. Whewell was then Master, graduate. and for some reason the Prince's name was not then entered on the students' roll ; a space was left for it, and remained unfilled for twenty-two years. The Prince of Wales was then visiting the University with his eldest son, the late Duke of Clarence, whom he entered at his old college ; and on being informed that there was no entry of his own name he caused the book to be brought to him and filled in the blank with his own hand. A photograph of the record is reproduced overleaf.

It

in distinguished company, for the preceding name is that of J. W. Strutt, a Senior Wrangler, and a scientist of European fame. The Librarian, who had custody of the book, is said to have confuted a lady visitor who had repeated appears

Q

to him gossip to the effect that the Prince was not a man of unusual mental power,

by producing the book, and pointing out to her that the Prince came next to a man whose intellectual prowess was recognised throughout the world. The Prince did not share the common life of the University, though, of course, he attended lectures with the other students. A house had been taken for him at Madingley as is earlier told a short drive or ride from Cambridge, and he Bruce, his lived there with General " Governor." The strict supervision of No earlier years was still maintained. were made which were acquaintances The Prince not previously sanctioned. or returned never went to Cambridge therefrom bore

unaccompanied.

restrictions

young man restrictions,

seldom

Indeed, imposed

on

he a

twenty very necessary no doubt, having regard to of

Once only, as rank and prospects. we have seen in the first volume, did his