The Late King’s Last Illness

Waikato Argus, Volume XXVIII, Issue 4399, 11 May 1910, Page 2

The Late King’s Last Illness

London, May 10. Later details of the King’s last days show that on Saturday, April 30, after arriving at Sandringham, he inspected the gardens, kennels, paddocks, foals and yearlings, and then went to Anmer, his new estate, to see the clubroorns built for the villagers. On Sunday he inspected the improvements to the little ivy-clad church, where a memorial window is being erected to the memory of the Hon. Montague Guest, who died suddenly in the hunting field at Sandringham last year.

In the afternoon ho inspected the Home farm dairy, and on Monday chatted at the garden gates with his pensioners. One old woman came to the door and curtsied, upon which the King waved her in, saying, “Keep yourself warm, granny.” In his last hours King Edward displayed to the full those qualities of personal courage and devotion to duty which characterised his career. It was said of the late King more than once during the past week that he knew not the meaning of fear. He realised the serious nature of his illness, but faced the position with the utmost fortitude, and displayed a determination not to surrender, which could not fail to inspire admiration and respect. On Friday II is Majesty rose as usual, and during the early part of the day moved about his apartments, but only cautiously, for even slight movements were apt to cause a recurrence of heart failure. He also suffered from fits of coughing, and, therefore, remained seated in a chair. He retained control of his senses until noon, and then lost consciousness for a time.

Despite the constant administration of oxygen, fainting fits occurred at intervais, and the periods of unconsciousness became more prolonged. It was not until a late hour on Friday. however, that the King left his chair for bed. It was not only on account of his reluctance to retire that he was permitted to remain seated. It was realised that it was better for him to occupy upright position, because it enabled him to breathe more easily than if he had been recumbent.

His Majesty died simply as the result of bronchitis and heart failure. He was susceptible for a long time to chills, and caught cold easily. He had recently suffered from a throat cough, which caused him much inconvenience. The fatal illness began only on Monday, and it was not till Wednesday that there was any really serious development. The King was cheerful, courageous, and patient, and although he gradually became much weaker, his vitality was remarkable. lit was unconscious when he died, and suffered no pain. The end was perfectly peaceful.