Arrival in India

The three stops Queen Victoria selected were actually the last things Queen Victoria wanted to do for the British Empire and Arthur.

Stopping at the Suez Canal and India would stabilize the hearts of the Indian people and strengthen the British Empire's rule in India.

Stopping in Australia, however, was clearly meant to support Arthur, giving him a good foundation there.

March 29, 1900.

After half a month of sailing, the fleet finally arrived in Calcutta, the capital of the Indian Empire.

India was originally managed by the British East India Company, with princely states nominally independent and recognizing the King of Britain as their sovereign.

But after the Indian Mutiny, the British East India Company had completed its mission and handed over power to Queen Victoria.

Queen Victoria was then officially crowned Empress of India in 1876, establishing the Indian Empire.

From then on, India completely ended its previous semi-independent, semi-colonial status and became entirely a colony of the British Empire.

The current Viceroy of India is George Curzon, known for dividing Bengal, deploying troops in the north, and demarcating the Sovo border.

At noon, the fleet successfully docked at the port of Calcutta. Arthur and Queen Victoria, who had been traveling for half a month, could finally disembark and catch their breath.

Although the British Government had prepared a luxurious cruise ship for Queen Victoria and Arthur, complete with various facilities, two small gardens, and a swimming pool, it had to be said that life on a cruise ship was not as real as life on land. Although Arthur was still doing well, he was looking forward to stepping onto solid ground.

At the port, Governor George, who had already received the news, was waiting with the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, Kitchener.

"Your Imperial Majesty, Your Highness," they both bowed.

Because Queen Victoria also held the title of Empress of India, they specifically used the honorific for Empress when bowing, not Queen.

"Marquess George, General Kitchener, it's been a while," Queen Victoria replied with a smile.

Governor George Curzon and General Kitchener both had a very distinct characteristic: they were both highly capable individuals with their own unique understanding of matters.

However, such individuals often clashed in certain aspects, as was the case in history.

Due to disagreements between Governor George and General Kitchener, they both resigned and returned to Britain five years later, in 1905.

But a minor flaw could not overshadow their talents. After returning to Britain, Governor George also served in important cabinet positions such as Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal, Member of the War Cabinet, and Foreign Secretary.

General Kitchener was made a Field Marshal in 1909 and served as Secretary of State for War. Before World War I, he recruited a large number of volunteers without the cabinet's approval. Although there were suspicions of his being autocratic, it was indeed thanks to his foresight that Britain had a large professional army to fight Germany to the end.

"George, you haven't been back to Britain for two years, have you? You've been in India the whole time. You've worked hard," Queen Victoria said with a smile, looking at Governor George.

"Yes, Your Majesty, it has been two years. But I have not found it hard. India is one of the most important regions in the entire Empire. It is my honor to be appointed Viceroy of India by Your Majesty, and I will never fail Your Majesty's trust or let India fall into crisis," Governor George said solemnly.

"Good. The stability of India in the future will depend on your and General Kitchener's joint efforts. I hope that this brilliant pearl, India, will not be tarnished in your hands," Queen Victoria said with a relieved smile.

Queen Victoria trusted Governor George's ability; otherwise, he would not have been appointed to such an important position as Viceroy of India at the young age of 39 for a politician.

"General Kitchener, your achievements in South Africa were outstanding. People happily called you Britain's hero," Queen Victoria said, smiling at General Kitchener.

"I only did what I should have done, Your Majesty," General Kitchener replied with a military salute.

"Regardless, you have indeed served the British Empire well. I originally intended to reward you after your return to Britain, but I think it would be better to grant the award on this occasion." Queen Victoria said with a smile.

Immediately, Queen Victoria's smile faded, and she became serious, saying solemnly, "Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, General Kitchener!"

"Present, Your Majesty."

"In recognition of your outstanding contributions in Egypt and South Africa, I grant you the title of Baron of Khartoum and allow you to visit Britain once this year. Furthermore, this fifty thousand pounds is your reward. The Empire never forgets those who have served it well," the Queen said solemnly.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. Long live Your Majesty and the Empire!" General Kitchener, slightly excited, accepted the fifty thousand pound banknotes handed to him by a servant.

The fifty thousand pounds was not the true reason for General Kitchener's excitement; the bestowal of a baronetcy was what moved this talented soldier.

Although a baronetcy was the lowest rung in the traditional aristocratic system, with Viscount, Earl, Marquess, and Duke above it, in reality, due to cultural differences, the aristocratic ranks of European monarchies varied.

In Britain, for example, the peerage generally consisted of Baron, Viscount, Earl, Marquess, Duke, and Prince, with the King at the apex. For a commoner to be elevated to Baron or Viscount through merit was already no easy feat.

Ordinary Earls and Dukes were usually inherited by members of the Royal Family or ancient noble families; commoners had no chance of obtaining them.

After a brief welcome ceremony, Queen Victoria, accompanied by Arthur, traveled by carriage to the Governor's residence, George's official home.

The Guard Army was stationed outside Calcutta, leaving only a small contingent of over two hundred guards to ensure Queen Victoria's safety at all times.

Unlike other places, Queen Victoria would stay in India for three days. One purpose was to review the progress made in India during this period, and the other was to rest. This also provided an opportunity for the fleet to replenish its supplies.

Given Queen Victoria's age of over 80, although there was no shortage of supplies on the cruise ship, the constant rocking of the ship was still somewhat tiring for Her Majesty.

Especially after a sea voyage of half a month, it was time for Queen Victoria to rest for a few days.

After everyone had disembarked, the crew of the transport fleet began to load supplies onto the ships, ensuring that the coal and provisions on board would last until the next destination, Australia.