The Coronation of Edward VII it remains one of Méliès' most well-received works. Edward VII and Alexandra of Denmark process into Westminster Abbey, where the King is administered the coronation oath and presented with a Bible to kiss. The King is anointed and crowned on King Edward's Chair by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Frederick Temple. The King and Queen sit on thrones as all assembled pay their homage. The reigning monarch of the United Kingdom, Queen Victoria, died on 22 January 1901, at which point her eldest son, Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, became King Edward VII. The coronation ceremony for Edward and his wife
Queen Victoria legitimate daughters (born in 1819 and 1820) died as infants. Victoria's father died in January 1820, when Victoria was less than a year old. A week later her grandfather died and was succeeded by his eldest son, GeorgeIV. The Duke of York died in 1827. When GeorgeIV died in 1830, he was succeeded by his next surviving brother, WilliamIV, and Victoria became heir presumptive. The Regency Act 1830 made special provision for Victoria's mother to act as regent in case William died while Victoria was still a minor. King William distrusted the Duchess's capacity to be regent, and in 1836