Tuesday, June 20, 2017

Death of William IV - Young Victoria succeeds


June 20, 1837

The Times is reporting the death of King William IV.  "It is with feelings of the most deep and poignant regret that we announce to the public that one of the most excellent , the most patriotic, and the most British Monarchy that ever sat on the imperial throne of these realms, is no more."

The "melancholy event" occurred between 2:30 and 2:45 a.m.  It is understood that the King was "sensible to the last moment of his existence, and expressed the most heartfelt satisfaction at the constant and unremitting attentions which received from different members of his family."

Queen Adelaide was with her husband when he died.





"We are not inclined to be the flatterers of rising greatness, but we are only performing an act of justice to that dignity whose sun is set, in declaring that the brightest gem in the diadem of our young Queen -- whom may God long preserve, for the welfare and happiness and good government of these realms"

The Archbishop of Canterbury left Windsor "immediately after the demise of his lamented Majesty" and arrived at Lambeth Palace at 6 a.m.

The new queen is King William's niece, Princess Alexandrina Victoria of Kent, the only child of the late Prince Edward, Duke of Kent.  She reached her majority on May 24.    She will be known as Queen Victoria.  May "her name be an augury of triumphant  fortune."

The young queen, who resides at Kensington Palace, was awakened early this morning, and learned of her uncle's death.  She will be proclaimed as Queen tomorrow.


The Duke of Cumberland, who has succeeded his late brother, as King of Hanover was the first to take the oath of allegiance to the Queen.  Although he is now the King of Hanover, he remains as heir presumptive to the British throne.



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