READERS may be interested to know of another royal event that had to be postponed: The coronation of Edward V11 was planned for June 26, 1902.
The king had been ill for some weeks and on June 22 the problem was identified as appendicitis and an operation was performed on June 23. The coronation was rearranged for August 9.
Collectors of memorabilia will be familiar with a souvenir plate issued by the City of Leeds which carries the date June 26.
Fairly uncommon are plates with "Coronation postponed owing to the sudden illness of His Majesty King Edward VII from June 26 to August 9, 1902.
Students of law will recall there was a series of cases which dealt with what lawyers call frustration of contract. Those who had spent considerable sums to have a view of the coronation procession were in some cases able to convince the courts they should be entitled to the same facilities for the new date without any further costs.
Others had to pay twice, depending on the wording of particular contracts.
G C M YOUNG
Fairford, Glos
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