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 on 20 June 1837, William IV died at the age of 71, and Victoria became Queen of the United Kingdom. In her diary she wrote, "I was awoke at 6 o'clock by Mamma, who told me the Archbishop of Canterbury and Lord Conyngham were here and wished to see me. I got out of bed and went into my sitting-room (only in my dressing gown) and "alone", and saw them. Lord Conyngham then acquainted me that my poor Uncle, the King, was no more, and had expired at 12 minutes past 2 this morning, and consequently that "I" am "Queen"."