Let's say Queen Victoria dies in 1869. (I don't know how - maybe her doctors send her to Scotland to try and overcome her depression over Albert's death and she gets pneumonia, or something). Edward VII becomes King at the age of 29. What effect does this have on British policy, given Edward's francophilia? Especially since the Franco-Prussian War is just around the corner.
Thande
A question and a comment.
a) Was he Francophile that early in his life or did that come later?
b) I suspect it wouldn't have too much impact in that respect, at least not early on. Edward is pretty young and from what I know was not the most mature and organised type. As such I doubt he would have that much influence early on and could even be counter-productive, as the various political parties don't want an inexperienced young monarch blundering about and also taking the opportunity to reduce the power of the monarch.
In the longer term this might have some interesting influences. Especially as the new imperial Germany becomes the major military and industrial power in Europe. There might be a tendency for elements in Britain to seek to balance German power by supporting France. [Unless Bismarck still manages to isolate France aided by the latter seeming too unstable].
Steve