Chapter 7 : Arrived in India

The three stop chosen by Queen Victoria were actually the last thing Queen Victoria want to do for the British Empire and Arthur. 

Docking at the Suez Canal and India can stabilize the heart of the people in India and strengthen the rule of the British Empire in India

The docking in Australia is obviously for Arthur so that Arthur can have a good foundation in Australia. 

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

India was originally managed by British East India Company and the state were independent only in name and recognized by the British king. 

But since Indian national Uprising the British east India company has completed it mission and hand over the power to Queen Victoria. 

Queen Victoria was officially crowned as the Empress of India in 1876 and established the Indian empire.

Since then, India has completely, and it's previous semi-independent and semi-colonial status and has completely become a colony of British Empire.

The current governor of India is George Curzon, who is famous for partitioning Bengal in India, sending troops to the north, and dividing the border between Eastern Bengal and Assam.

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

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

Life on a cruise ship is not as real as on land. Although Arthur doing well, he still looks forward to setting foot on solid ground.

At the port, Governor George has already heard the news and came up with Kitchener, Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army.

"Your Majesty the Queen, Your Highness the Duke." The two saluted one after another.

Because Queen Victoria also has the title Empress of India, the two deliberately used the title of Queen instead of Empress when saluting.

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

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

But often such two people will have some contradictions in a certain aspect, which was the case in the original history.

Because of the disagreement between Governor George and General Kitchener, in five years later, in 1905, the two were dismissed and returned home.

But a little incident cannot conceal the talents of these two people. After returning to the UK, Governor George has served as the keeper of the seal, a member of the Wartime Cabinet, the Foreign Secretary and other important cabinet positions.

As for General Kitchener, he was appointed as Marshal in 1909 and served as Minister of war, he also recruited a large number of volunteers without the approval of the cabinet before World War 1. Although he was suspected of treason, it was thanks to his arbitrary that British has a large number of troops to fight Germany to the end.

"George, you probably haven't been back to England for two years, and has been staying in India, thanks for your hard work." Queen Victoria looked at Governor George with a smile and expressed her gratitude. 

"Yes, Your Majesty, it has been two years. India is one of the most important regions of the entire empire. It is my honor to be able to served as the Governor of India. I will never disappoint Your Majesty's trust and let India fall into crisis."

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

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

"General Kitchener, your contributions to South Africa are very remarkable, and people are happy to call you a British hero." Queen Victoria said to General Kitchener with a smile.

"I just did what I should do, Your Majesty." General Kitchener said with a military salute.

"No matter what, you did contribute to the British Empire. I originally planned to reward you after you returned to England. I think it's better to take advantage of today's opportunity to reward you directly." Queen Victoria said.

Immediately, 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 contribution in Egypt and South Africa, I will reward you the Baron of Khartoum and allow you to visit England once this year. In addition, the fifty thousand pounds as a reward for you. The Empire will never forget the meritorious service to the Empire." Queen Victoria said solemnly.

"Thank you, Your Majesty, may Your Majesty and the Empire long live!" General Kitchener took the fifty thousand pound note from the servant with a little excitement.

Fifty thousand pounds was not the real reason for General Kitchener's excitement. It's the reward of the title that was moved this talented soldier.

Although the baron is only the lowest link in the traditional aristocratic system, there are four more levels such as Viscount, Earl, Marquis, and Duke. 

But because of different cultural differences, the noble ranks of European nobility are also different.

As far as the UK concerned, the titles of UK nobility are generally composed of Barons, Viscount, Earls Dukes, Princes and King.

The title of Earls and Dukes are generally inherited by members of the Royal family or veteran aristocrats, and ordinary people have no part in them.

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

The Guards, on the other hand, were stationed outside Calcutta, leaving only a small guard of more than 200 people to ensure the safety of Queen Victoria at all time.

Unlike the other stop, Queen Victoria will stay in India for three days. One is to review the achievement of India during this period, and the other is to rest for a period of time, and allow the fleet to replenish supplies.

After all, judging from the age of the Queen Victoria in her 80s, although there is no shortage of supplies on the cruise ship, the rocky life on the ship is still a bit tiring for Her Majesty the Queen.

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

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