Chapter 7 Arrival in India

The three stops chosen by Queen Victoria were actually what Queen Victoria wanted to do for the British Empire and Arthur in the end.

Stopping at the Suez Canal and India could stabilize the hearts of the Indians and strengthen the British Empire's rule in India.

Stopping in Australia was a very obvious platform for Arthur, so that Arthur could have a good foundation in Australia.

March 29, 1900.

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

India was originally managed by the British East India Company, and the princely states were nominally independent and recognized the British king as the common master.

But since the Indian national uprising, the British East India Company has completed its mission and transferred power to Queen Victoria.

And Queen Victoria was officially crowned in 1876 as the Queen of India and established the Indian Empire.

Since then, India has completely ended its previous semi-independent and semi-colonial status and has completely become a colony of the British Empire.

The current Governor-General of India is George Curzon, who is famous for dividing Bengal in India, sending troops to the north, and dividing the Soviet-Polish border.

At noon, the fleet successfully docked at the port of Calcutta, and Arthur and Queen Victoria, who had been on the ship for half a month, could finally go ashore to take a breath.

Although the cruise ship prepared by the British government for Queen Victoria and Arthur was very luxurious, it not only had various facilities, but also had two small gardens and a swimming pool.

But it must be said that life on the cruise ship was not as real as on land. Although Arthur was still living well, he still hoped to step on solid land.

At the port, Governor George, who had already heard the news, came up with Kitchener, the commander-in-chief of the Indian army.

"Your Majesty, Your Highness." The two saluted.

Because Queen Victoria also had the title of Queen of India, the two deliberately used the honorific of Queen instead of Queen when they saluted.

"Marquis George, General Kitchener, long time no see." Queen Victoria responded to the two with a smile.

Governor George Curzon and General Kitchener both have a very obvious characteristic. Both are very capable talents and have their own unique understanding of things.

But often such two people will have some contradictions in some aspects, which is the case in the original history.

Because Governor George and General Kitchener disagreed and led to discord, five years later, in 1905, both were dismissed and returned home.

But a little flaw cannot cover up the talents of the two. After returning to Britain, Governor George also served as the Lord Chancellor, a member of the wartime cabinet, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and other important cabinet positions.

And General Kitchener, who was awarded the title of Marshal in 1909 and served as the Minister of War, also recruited a large number of volunteers without the consent of the cabinet before the First World War. Although there was some suspicion of arbitrary and tyrannical, it was indeed thanks to his foresight that Britain could ensure that there were a large number of professional troops to fight Germany to the end.

"George should not have returned to Britain for two years. You have been staying in India. You have worked hard." Queen Victoria smiled and looked at Governor George and comforted him.

"Yes, Your Majesty, it has been two years. But I am not tired. India is one of the most important regions in the entire empire. It is my honor to be appointed as the Governor-General of India by Your Majesty. I must not live up to Your Majesty's trust and let India fall into crisis." Governor George said solemnly.

"Well, that's good. In the future, the stability of India will still depend on you and General Kitchener to maintain it together. I hope that this bright pearl of India will not be covered in dust in the hands of you two." Queen Victoria smiled with relief and said.

Queen Victoria still trusts the ability of Governor George, otherwise he would not have served as such an important position as the Governor-General of India at the age of 39, which is very young for a politician.

"General Kitchener, your contribution in South Africa is very significant, and people are happy to call you a British hero." Queen Victoria smiled and looked at General Kitchener and said.

"I just did what I should do, Your Majesty." General Kitchener saluted and said.

"Anyway, you have indeed made contributions to the British Empire. I was originally planning to reward you after you returned to the UK, but I think it would be better to take advantage of this opportunity today to reward you directly." Queen Victoria said with a smile.

Then, Queen Victoria immediately put away her smile, became serious, and said solemnly: "General Kitchener, Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army!"

"Here, Your Majesty."

"In view of your outstanding contributions in Egypt and South Africa, you are rewarded as the Baron of Khartoum and allowed to visit the UK once this year. In addition, this 50,000 pounds is a reward for you. The Empire will never forget those who have made contributions to the Empire." The Queen said solemnly.

"Thank you, Your Majesty, long live Your Majesty and the Empire!" General Kitchener took the 50,000 pounds banknote handed over by the servant with a little excitement.

50,000 pounds was not the real reason that excited General Kitchener. The reward of the baron was the reason that moved this talented soldier.

Although the baron is only the lowest level in the traditional aristocratic system, there are four levels above it: viscount, earl, marquis, and duke.

But in fact, due to cultural differences, the nobility ranks in various European monarchies are also different.

As for the United Kingdom, the titles of nobility in the United Kingdom are generally composed of barons, viscounts, earls, dukes, princes, and kings. It is not easy for civilians to be awarded barons and viscounts based on their merits.

The general earls and dukes are inherited by members of the royal family or old nobles, and ordinary people have no chance to get involved.

After a simple welcome ceremony, Queen Victoria took a carriage and lived in George's Governor's Mansion with Arthur.

The Guards were stationed outside Calcutta, leaving only a small number of more than 200 guards to ensure Queen Victoria's safety at any time.

Unlike other places, Queen Victoria will stay in India for three days, one is to review the achievements of India during this period, and the other is to rest for a while, just in time for the fleet to replenish supplies.

After all, considering Queen Victoria's age of more than 80, although there is no shortage of supplies on the cruise ship, the shaky life on the ship is still a bit tiring for Her Majesty the Queen.

Especially after a half-month long sea voyage, it is time for Queen Victoria to rest for a few days.

After everyone had disembarked, the crew of the transport fleet began to deliver supplies to the ship, ensuring that the coal and daily necessities on board could last until the next destination, Australia.