7 Chapter 7: Arrival in India

The three stops selected by Queen Victoria were actually the final things she wanted to do for the British Empire and Arthur. Stopping in the Suez Canal and India would help stabilize the Indian people and strengthen British rule in India. Stopping in Australia was clearly a platform for Arthur, allowing him to have a good foundation in Australia.

On March 29, 1900, after half a month of sailing, the fleet finally arrived in the capital of the Indian Empire, Kolkata.

India was originally administered by the British East India Company, with various princely states nominally independent and recognizing the British king as a co-ruler. However, since the Indian nationalist uprising, the British East India Company has completed its mission and transferred power to Queen Victoria.

Queen Victoria was officially crowned Empress of India in 1876, establishing the Indian Empire. From then on, India completely ended its previous semi-independent and semi-colonial status, and became a colony of the British Empire.

The current Governor-General of India was George Curzon, who was famous for dividing Bengal, sending troops to the north, and delineating the Sopo border.

At noon, the fleet successfully docked at the port of Kolkata. Arthur and Queen Victoria, who had been busy on the ship for half a month, finally breathed a sigh of relief on shore.

Although the British government had prepared a luxurious cruise ship for Queen Victoria and Arthur, which had various facilities, two small gardens and a swimming pool, the fact remained that life on board was not as real as on land. Although Arthur still lived well, he was still looking forward to stepping on solid ground.

At the port, Governor-General George and Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army Kitchener had already received news and came to welcome them.

"Your Majesty and His Grace," the two bowed and saluted.

As Queen Victoria held the title of Empress of India, both men used the title of "Your Majesty" when saluting, instead of "Queen."

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

Both Governor General George Curzon and General Kitchener have a very noticeable characteristic: they are very talented and have their own unique understanding of things.

However, such talented individuals often have conflicts in some aspects, as was the case in their original history. Because of their differing opinions, Governor General Curzon and General Kitchener were both dismissed and sent back to England in 1905, five years later.

However, a flaw cannot conceal the talents of these two individuals. Governor General Curzon went on to hold important cabinet positions such as Lord Privy Seal, Cabinet Member during wartime, and Foreign Secretary after returning to England.

General Kitchener, on the other hand, was appointed as a Field Marshal in 1909 and served as Secretary of State for War. He also recruited a large number of volunteers without Cabinet approval before the First World War. Although he was suspected of being arbitrary, his far-sightedness and abilities ensured that Britain had a large professional army that could compete with Germany.

"It's been two years since you last returned to England, George. You have been working hard in India." Queen Victoria comforted Governor General Curzon with a smile.

"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 an honor to be appointed as the Governor General of India by Your Majesty. I cannot let India fall into crisis and betray Your Majesty's trust," Governor General Curzon said solemnly.

"Well, that's good. In the future, India's stability will still rely on you and General Kitchener to maintain. I hope that this shining jewel of India will not be tarnished in your hands," Queen Victoria said with satisfaction.

Queen Victoria still trusts Governor General Curzon's abilities, otherwise he would not have been appointed as the Governor General of India at the young age of 39, which is very young for a politician.

"General Kitchener, your contributions in South Africa are very significant. People are happy to call you the hero of Britain," Queen Victoria smiled at General Kitchener and said.

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

"Anyway, you have indeed made great contributions to the British Empire. Originally, I was going to reward you after you returned to England, but I think it's better to reward you directly on this occasion today," Queen Victoria said with a smile.

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

"Here you are, Your Majesty."

"Given your outstanding contributions in Egypt and South Africa, I bestow upon you the title of Baron of Khartoum and allow you to return to England for a visit this year. Additionally, this fifty thousand pounds is a reward for your service, as the Empire never forgets those who serve it," the queen said solemnly.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. Long live Your Majesty and the Empire!" General Kitchener took the fifty thousand pound note handed to him by the servant with a hint of excitement.

It wasn't the fifty thousand pounds that truly excited General Kitchener, but rather the title of Baron. Although a Baron was the lowest level of the traditional aristocratic system, there were still four levels above it: Viscount, Earl, Marquess, and Duke. However, due to cultural differences, the aristocratic rankings of different European monarchies were not exactly the same.

In the case of Britain, the titles of Baron, Viscount, Earl, Duke, Prince, and King made up the aristocratic ranks. It was already difficult for commoners to be granted the title of Baron or Viscount based on merit alone.

Earls and Dukes were usually members of the royal family or old aristocratic families who inherited their titles, and ordinary people had little chance of obtaining them.

After a simple welcoming ceremony, Queen Victoria and Arthur rode in a carriage to the Governor's Mansion in Calcutta.

Meanwhile, the Imperial Guard remained outside the city with a small contingent of just over two hundred guards to ensure the safety of Queen Victoria at all times.

Unlike other places, Queen Victoria would stay in India for three days to review the achievements of India during that time, and to take a break and rest for a while, which would also allow the fleet to replenish its supplies.

After all, considering Queen Victoria's age of over 80 years old, although the cruise ship had no shortage of supplies, the rocking life on the ship was still a bit tiring for Her Majesty.

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

After everyone had disembarked, the crew of the transport fleet began to transport supplies to the ship to ensure that the coal and living supplies on the ship could last until the next destination, Australia.