The last word — Albany or Edgar?

Speak what we feel

The situation in Britain at the time is a guide as to who spoke the final words of the play. Britain was divided into two autonomous states which became allies to fight the French invaders. The kingdom of Albany, of which Goneril was the ruler, was in the north. The Duke of Albany became its de facto ruler on Goneril's death. The kingdom of Cornwall, of which Regan was the ruler, was in the south, but since her recent death, and the earlier death of the Duke of Cornwall, was then without a ruler. Albany, therefore, became its de facto ruler, and thus the ruler of all of Britain. It needs to be remembered that what was to be Cordelia's realm, has been shared between Albany and Cornwall, but that the Dover region where the battle and final scene take place was in the kingdom of Cornwall.

In the final scene, note that Albany talks as an absolute monarch. He is the one giving the orders. He uses the royal plural. He talks about resigning his absolute power back to Lear, but, as he clearly points out, only for the duration of Lear's remaining life. Presumably, Albany will want it back on Lear's death.

ALBANY
You lords and noble friends, know OUR intent.
What comfort to this great decay may come
Shall be applied: for US, WE will resign,
During the life of this old majesty,
To him OUR absolute power:

Initially, Albany tells Kent and Edgar they can return to what is rightfully theirs, with boot and additions. There is no suggestion whatsoever that they will rule anything.

ALBANY (To Edgar and Kent)
You, to your rights:
With boot, and such addition as your honours
Have more than merited.

When Lear suddenly dies, Albany has to rethink his plan for the two kingdoms. Because the earldoms of Kent and Gloster are in the kingdom of Cornwall, Albany invites Kent and Edgar to jointly rule Cornwall, the realm which has suffered so much bloodshed in the battle. Albany remains as the ruler of the kingdom of Albany

ALBANY (To Kent and Edgar)
Friends of my soul, you twain
Rule in this realm, and the gored state sustain.

Kent declines the offer, and it is therefore natural to expect some kind of a response from Albany who made him the offer, particularly as it will require yet another change of plans. Kent's refusal to accept half of the kingdom is certainly not an open invitation for Edgar to grab the lot! In fact, given that Albany's proposal cannot now proceed, would he grant Edgar anything to rule over alone once Kent's stability and wise head is unavailable? That seems most unlikely. Edgar has been but a poor player who frets but rarely struts. Albany has dominated all proceedings so far and has given the orders. The final words, therefore, must be Albany's. When he says we that are young he is clearly not directing them to the forty-eight year old Kent. But is he directing them to Edgar as an equal? Is he telling Edgar that he is now a brother king? That makes no sense if Albany considers Edgar unfit to rule without Kent. If, under these circumstances, Albany shouldered the responsibility of ruling all of Britain he may not be addressing Edgar or anyone! He might simply be soliloquizing and continuing to use the royal plural we.

ALBANY
The weight of this sad time WE must obey;
Speak what WE feel, not what WE ought to say.
The oldest hath borne most: WE that are young
Shall never see so much, nor live so long.