How bad was King Edward Vii's relationship with his father, Prince Albert?

Question

I have been watching and reading a few things about Queen Victoria and Prince Albert's children. I'm sure most would agree Bertie and his father didn't see eye to eye much.

I understand, Albert was a rather strict father, and had no issue punishing his children. While in today's time that would be abuse, but back then it was a just how parents were. But also Albert always made sure that they knew he loved them, and was only strict to help them.

I read that Bertie was a "playboy" most of his life, and I understand Albert hated his own father for being that way. Is that wan't caused the down fall in their relationship, or was it trouble before that?

Answer 1

Prince Edward or Bertie (Edward VII) was indeed a playboy prince. He was nicknamed Edward the Caresser and Dirty Bertie, but he was also nicknamed a Peacemaker amongst his family. The trouble with his relationship with his parents was that young Edward was not very smart (according to Albert). He apparently lacked focus in the school room. But he was a sensitive child. His mother Queen Victoria hated him, especially after Prince Albert (Edwards father) died. She blamed Edward for his fathers premature death in 1861 of typhoid.

I wouldn't say Prince Albert punished his children, he was the more loving, but scholarly parent of the two. Strict, yes. I would advocate he was strict. Because Albert knew what Edward would face as king and was trying to prepare him for his future role.

The real trouble started when Edward was in Ireland and had his first taste of a sexual experience that both Victoria and Albert grew frustrated with Edward, which in tern lead to Alberts early death. Of course Windsor Castles sanitation system did not help Albert (there he died of typhoid). After that Queen Victoria despised the sight of Edward. He couldn't do anything right. And thus is where the reputation of the hated son came into play.