2. As monarch, Edward ditched the playboy lifestyle in favor of life as a traveling diplomat
As King, Edward VII would be known as the ‘Uncle of Europe’. To some degree, this was literally true; he was related to most of the monarchs on the continent, including the German Kaiser and even the Russian Tsar. Instead of carrying on his playboy ways at home, Edward insisted on reinventing the concept of ‘royal diplomacy’. He carried out numerous official visits to foreign states, easing rivalries and strengthening alliances. He also revitalized the monarchy’s role at home, bringing back the regal opening of Parliament, for example.
