The death of young King Edward VI

Abstract

MEASLES virus suppresses host immunity to tuberculosis, as may some types of live measlesvirus vaccine.1 Tuberculosis and measles remain important factors in childhood morbidity and mortality, particularly in the developing world. The life of [Lee S. Edward VI], son of Henry VIII, was short, and his death in 1553 was untimely and tragic. The cause of his death has never been clearly understood. We believe that his death was due to rapidly progressive tuberculosis that developed after he had measles.