Since then the late King has yearly grown in the regard of his people abroad, in the respect of other rulers and nations, in the admiration of all who understood the difficulties of his position, the real force of his personality and influence, the power with which he drew to the Throne--even after the remarkable reign of Victoria the Good--an increased affection and loyalty from Australians and South Africans and Canadians alike, an added confidence and loyal faith in his judgment from all his British peoples whether at home or over seas. In the United States, which King Edward always regarded with an admiration which the enterprise and energy of its people so well deserved, he in turn received a degree of respect and regard which did not at one time seem probable. To him, ever since the visit to the Republic in 1860, a closer and better relation between the two great countries had been an ideal toward which as statesman and Prince and Sovereign he guided the English-speaking race. The reader of these pages will, I hope, receive a permanent impression of the career and character of one who has been at once a popular Prince, a great King, a worthy head of the British Empire and of his own family, a statesman who has won and worn the proud title of "The Royal Peacemaker." J. CASTELL HOPKINS. _Toronto, Canada, 1910._ TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER I. The Crown and the Empire 17 CHAPTER II. Early Years and Education of the Prince 31 CHAPTER III. Royal Tour of British America and the United States 47 CHAPTER IV. The Royal Marriage 69 CHAPTER V. Early Home Life and Public Duties 79 CHAPTER VI. Travels in the East 99 CHAPTER VII. Serious Illness of the Prince 117 CHAPTER VIII. The Prince of Wales in India 131 CHAPTER IX. Thirty Years of Public Work 162 CHAPTER X. Special Functions and Interests 181 CHAPTER XI. The Prince and His Family 191 CHAPTER XII. The Prince as a Social Leader 203 CHAPTER XIII. The Prince as a Sportsman 211 CHAPTER XIV. Habits and Character of the Prince 218 CHAPTER XV. The Prince as an Empire Statesman 234 CHAPTER XVI. The Prince as Heir Apparent 248 CHAPTER XVII. Accession to the Throne 268 CHAPTER XVIII. The First Year of the New Reign 286 CHAPTER XIX. Empire Tour of the New Heir to the Throne 305 CHAPTER XX. The King and the South African War 351 CHAPTER XXI. Preparations for the Coronation 368