On 9 August 1902, Edward VII and Queen Alexandra were crowned at Westminster Abbey. The ceremony took place more than six weeks later than planned because the King had required emergency surgery shortly before the original date.

Edward had succeeded his mother, Queen Victoria, on 22 January 1901. His coronation was arranged for 26 June 1902, allowing time for the ceremony and the arrival of guests from Britain, the Empire and overseas.

By late June, preparations were almost complete. Then Edward became seriously ill.

He had appendicitis and developed peritonitis. Doctors advised that an operation was necessary. Without it, his condition was considered life-threatening.

Edward was reluctant to abandon the coronation, but on 24 June the ceremony was postponed. Organisers were left dealing with an event for which extensive preparations had already been made.

Two bank holidays had been planned for 26 and 27 June. Guests were already arriving, and public celebrations had been arranged. The postponement also affected businesses that had rented rooms, seats and other facilities to people intending to watch the procession.

Edward underwent the operation and recovered. The coronation was rearranged for Saturday 9 August. Rather than recreating the original two bank holidays, the new arrangements provided for a half-day holiday.

The King was still recovering from his illness, but he resisted major changes to the ceremony. The service itself was shortened slightly.

Edward and Alexandra travelled through London in the Gold State Coach to Westminster Abbey, where the service began shortly before noon. Edward was crowned by Frederick Temple, Archbishop of Canterbury. Alexandra was crowned as Queen Consort.

After the service, the King and Queen returned through streets lined with troops and spectators. They later appeared at Buckingham Palace.

The coronation had been prepared as a carefully organised state ceremony. Its final date had instead been determined by an attack of appendicitis two days before the original one.