WI: Edward Augustus had lived to 100?

What if Edward Augustus, father of Queen Victoria has lived to be crowned King of England, and then had lived to his hundredth birthday?
 
As his reign (1837-1867 if it begins on OTL schedule) progresses, King Edward VII increasingly lives as a hermit (similar to Howard Hughes). His daughter, and heir presumptive, Victoria takes on an increasing role in matters of state, eventually becoming Princess Regent in 1858. Victoria's marriage to Albert might be butterflied away- no way of telling who King Edward would have favored to become his daughter's husband.
 
Unless he has another (male) child. Why would he live like an hermit?

Since he was male, the personal union with Hanover would be continued until at least 1867. Thence as OTL , in absence of said son. Which makes some very big butterflies around Prussia, which have been explored many times.
 
Top