Chapter 7: Arrival in India
The three stopovers chosen by Queen Victoria were, in fact, her final acts of service for both the British Empire and for Arthur.
Stopping at the Suez Canal and in India would help stabilize public sentiment there and strengthen British control.
The visit to Australia, meanwhile, was a clear show of support for Arthur, helping him establish a strong foundation in his new territory.
March 29, 1900.
After half a month at sea, the fleet finally arrived in Calcutta, the capital of the Indian Empire.
Originally, India had been administered by the British East India Company, with the princely states nominally independent but recognizing the British monarch as their sovereign.
However, after the Indian Rebellion, the East India Company had completed its mission and transferred power to Queen Victoria.
In 1876, Queen Victoria was formally crowned Empress of India, marking the founding of the Indian Empire.
From then on, India ceased to be semi-independent and became a full colony of the British Empire.
The current Governor-General of India was George Curzon, known for partitioning Bengal, deploying troops to the north, and defining the borders of the Sikkim-Tibet region.
At noon, the fleet successfully docked at the port of Calcutta. After two weeks at sea, Arthur and Queen Victoria could finally disembark and breathe freely again.
Though the cruise ship prepared by the British government for Queen Victoria and Arthur was lavish—with every facility imaginable, two small gardens, and even a swimming pool—
life aboard a ship was never quite the same as on land. Arthur had lived comfortably, but he had longed for the feeling of firm ground beneath his feet.
On the dock, Governor George Curzon and the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, General Kitchener, had already arrived with troops to welcome them.
"Your Imperial Majesty, Your Grace," the two men bowed deeply.
Because Queen Victoria also held the title Empress of India, the two addressed her as "Empress" rather than "Queen."
"Marquess George, General Kitchener, it's been a long time," Queen Victoria said with a smile.
Both Governor Curzon and General Kitchener were highly capable individuals, each with a distinctive understanding of governance and military affairs.
But individuals of such strength often clashed—something that had also happened in actual history.
Due to their disagreements, both men would be dismissed and recalled to Britain in 1905, five years later.
However, their talents could not be denied.
After returning to Britain, George Curzon would serve as Lord Privy Seal, a member of the War Cabinet, and eventually as Foreign Secretary.
As for General Kitchener, he would be made a field marshal in 1909, serve as Secretary of State for War, and even without cabinet approval, recruit massive numbers of volunteers before World War I.
Though some saw him as autocratic, it was precisely his foresight that ensured Britain had a professional army capable of confronting Germany.
"George, you haven't been back to Britain in two years, have you? Staying in India all this time—thank you for your service," Queen Victoria said kindly, looking toward Governor Curzon.
"Yes, Your Majesty, it has been two years. But I am not tired. India is one of the Empire's most important regions. To be appointed Governor-General by Your Majesty is my greatest honor. I will not betray your trust by allowing India to fall into crisis," Governor Curzon replied solemnly.
"Good. The future stability of India will still depend on you and General Kitchener. I hope this brilliant jewel of an empire remains untarnished in your hands,"
Queen Victoria said, smiling with satisfaction.
She had great confidence in Curzon's ability—otherwise, she wouldn't have appointed someone as young as thirty-nine to such a vital political post.
"General Kitchener, your achievements in South Africa are widely known. People are proudly calling you a hero of Britain," Queen Victoria said, turning toward him with a smile.
"I have only done what I should, Your Majesty," General Kitchener replied, giving a military salute.
"Regardless, you have served the Empire well. I had planned to bestow your honors upon your return to Britain, but I believe now is a good moment to do it,"
Queen Victoria said with a smile.
She then became serious and declared,
"Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, General Kitchener!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!" he answered.
"In recognition of your distinguished service in Egypt and South Africa, I hereby bestow upon you the title of Baron of Khartoum. You are also permitted to return to Britain for a visit this year.
Additionally, this fifty thousand pounds is your reward. The Empire never forgets those who serve it with honor," the Queen stated solemnly.
"Thank you, Your Majesty! Long live Your Majesty and the Empire!"
General Kitchener gratefully accepted the bundle of cash from a servant, though it wasn't the money that truly moved him—it was the baronial title.
Though "baron" was the lowest rank in the traditional aristocratic system—below viscount, earl, marquess, and duke—it was still no small matter.
In Britain, noble titles generally consisted of baron, viscount, earl, marquess, duke, prince, and king.
For a commoner to be elevated to baron or viscount through merit alone was already exceptional.
Higher titles like earl or duke were usually reserved for members of the royal family or established nobility—far beyond the reach of ordinary men.
After a brief welcoming ceremony, Queen Victoria and Arthur took a carriage and settled into the Governor's residence.
The Royal Guard was stationed outside the city of Calcutta, leaving behind only a contingent of around two hundred to ensure the Queen's safety.
Unlike other stops, Queen Victoria would remain in India for three days.
One reason was to inspect recent progress in the region; the other was to rest—and allow the fleet time to resupply.
Given Queen Victoria's age—over eighty—life on a moving ship was physically taxing, even with no shortage of supplies.
After more than two weeks at sea, it was time for her to recuperate.
Once everyone had disembarked, the transport crew began unloading supplies, ensuring the ships were well-stocked with coal and provisions for the next leg of the journey: Australia.
(End of Chapter)
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