Statue of Edward, Prince of Wales

Prince Edward (1841–1910) was the eldest son of Queen Victoria. He played an active role in the negotiations and planning that surrounded the demise of the National Training School of Music (1876-82) and the creation of the Royal College of Music in its place. On 7 May 1883 he led the party of guests that attended the opening of the new institution, and was the College’s first President (1882–1901) and on his accession became Patron (1901–10).