This Week in Cigar History: January 21-27

At the ripe old age of 59, avid cigar smoker Albert Edward (Edward VII) inherited the throne of King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, King of the British Dominions Beyond the Seas, and Emperor of India, this week on January 22, 1901.

Prior to his accession, Edward held the title Prince of Wales for longer than any English heir apparent, due to anti-tobacco lobbyist Queen Victoria’s longevity. A confirmed playboy, racehorse lover and a portly bon vivant, Edward was reported to have greeted his new royal status with the quip: “Gentlemen, you may smoke,” delivered to an intimate group gathered at the former smoke-free premises of Buckingham Palace.

Amazingly enough, King Edward VII’s actual coronation ceremony was delayed two months, until August 2, 1902, because of the monarch’s near fatal bout with appendicitis. Fortunately, a radical life-saving operation to drain the infected appendix was successfully performed. Sitting up in bed the very next day, the newly mended Majesty celebrated his recovery by smoking a victory cigar.

news@doubledownmedia.com

1/21/08

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