King Edward VII’s Coronation Prayers At Simla, 1902
Old 1902 stereophoto of King Edward VII’s coronation prayer service in progress at Simla. The coronation prayer service was held at Christ Church in Simla (or Shimla) on June 26, 1902. The huge edifice visible in the background is the Simla Town Hall. Christ Church is not visible but it is from where this photo may have been taken.
There seems to be a huge attendance for the church service by the look of a large number of parked hand-pulled rickshaws. The church service was on the occasion of King Edwards VII’s coronation in London. Which was fixed for 26th June 1902– he had succeeded his mother Queen Victoria who died in 1901.
However, this was not to be, since the King became very ill just a day before the coronation. He had suffered an acute case of appendicitis that needed an emergency operation. Thus, the coronation was subsequently postponed to August 1902. But here in Shimla, it looks like the European crowd went ahead with the church service. Perhaps not realizing that the crowning ceremony in London was postponed. Edward was succeeded by his son King Geroge V. This beautiful hill station was the summer capital of the British raj for at least six months of the year. Click on the photo for better view.
Did you know- Edward had toured India in the 1870s when he was the Prince of Wales.
From the collection- 1964 M. Suriyamoorthy Charcoal Art Abstract (#10)., Bombay Dockmaster With Megaphone, Old Postcard 1910., 1808 Indian Elephant Antique Print From Buffon., British India Family With Vintage Car – Old Photo 1925.
