List of prime ministers of Edward VII Facts for Kids

Edward VII was the King of the United Kingdom and the British Empire.

King Edward VII was the monarch (ruler) of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and the huge British Empire from January 22, 1901, until he passed away on May 6, 1910. During his time as king, many important leaders called "prime ministers" served him. These leaders came from different parts of the British Empire, showing how big and spread out the empire was.

King Edward VII and His Prime Ministers
- What is a Prime Minister?
- Leaders from Around the World
Images for kids
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King Edward VII and His Prime Ministers

What is a Prime Minister?

A prime minister is the main leader of a country's government. They are usually in charge of making big decisions and leading the country day-to-day. During King Edward VII's reign, prime ministers worked with the king to run their countries. Even though the king was the head of the empire, these prime ministers were very important in their own lands.

Leaders from Around the World

King Edward VII had 13 different prime ministers serving him during his nine years as king. These leaders came from four different parts of the British Empire:

Five prime ministers were from Australia.
Four were from the United Kingdom.
Three were from New Zealand.
One was from the Dominion of Canada.
There were also prime ministers from other important areas like the Cape Colony and Newfoundland.

Prime Ministers of the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom had four prime ministers during King Edward VII's reign. These leaders were in charge of the main government in London.

The first was Robert Gascoyne-Cecil, who was known as the Marquess of Salisbury. He served until 1902.
Next was Arthur Balfour, who led the government until 1905.
Then came Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman, who was prime minister until 1908.
Finally, H. H. Asquith took over and served until the king's death in 1910.

Prime Ministers of Australia

Australia was a Dominion within the British Empire, meaning it had its own government but was still connected to Britain. Five different prime ministers led Australia during this time.

Sir Edmund Barton was the first Australian prime minister under King Edward VII, serving until 1903.
Alfred Deakin served three separate times as prime minister, showing his importance in Australian politics.
Chris Watson and Sir George Reid also held the top job for shorter periods.
Andrew Fisher was prime minister twice during Edward VII's reign, including at the time of the king's death.

Prime Ministers of Canada

Canada was another important Dominion in the British Empire.

During King Edward VII's entire reign, Sir Wilfrid Laurier was the only prime minister of Canada. He served for a very long time, from before Edward became king until the king's death.

Prime Ministers of New Zealand

New Zealand also had its own government as a Dominion.

Richard Seddon was the prime minister of New Zealand when King Edward VII became king. He was a very well-known leader.
After him, William Hall-Jones briefly served.
Then, Joseph Ward became prime minister and served until the end of King Edward VII's reign.

Prime Ministers of Cape Colony

The Cape Colony was a British colony in Southern Africa.

Gordon Sprigg was the prime minister there when Edward VII became king.
He was followed by Leander Starr Jameson.
The last prime minister of Cape Colony during this period was John X. Merriman.

Prime Ministers of Newfoundland

Newfoundland, an island in North America, was also a British colony.

Robert Bond was the prime minister of Newfoundland at the start of Edward VII's reign.
He was followed by Edward Morris.

Images for kids

Sir Edmund Barton, Prime Minister of Australia
Alfred Deakin, Prime Minister of Australia
Chris Watson, Prime Minister of Australia
Sir George Reid, Prime Minister of Australia
Andrew Fisher, Prime Minister of Australia
Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Prime Minister of Canada
Gordon Sprigg, Prime Minister of Cape Colony
Leander Starr Jameson, Prime Minister of Cape Colony
John X. Merriman, Prime Minister of Cape Colony
Robert Bond, Prime Minister of Newfoundland
Edward Morris, Prime Minister of Newfoundland
Richard Seddon, Prime Minister of New Zealand
William Hall-Jones, Prime Minister of New Zealand
Joseph Ward, Prime Minister of New Zealand
Robert Gascoyne-Cecil, The Marquess of Salisbury, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
Arthur Balfour, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
H. H. Asquith, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom