Chapter 46 Queen Victoria's Will
By the time Arthur and Wilhelm II returned to the estate, it was already past 4 p.m.
Queen Victoria's critical condition was no longer a secret among Europe's high-ranking elites, and dignitaries from across the continent had come to visit. The tiny port at the Isle of Wight was now congested with ships.
Arthur didn't get to see Queen Victoria again until after 5 p.m.
That afternoon alone, hundreds of royals, nobles, and high officials from various European nations and colonies had taken turns speaking briefly with the queen.
Looking back on her life, Queen Victoria had made tremendous contributions to both the British monarchy and the British Empire.
Under her reign, Britain had become the world's foremost superpower, establishing the empire on which the sun never sets and rising to global dominance.
To the British people, she was an irreplaceable monarch, the living embodiment of Britain's golden age.
All across Britain, its colonies, and even the farthest corners of the world, people were spontaneously praying and offering blessings for her health.
This woman who had worked tirelessly for the monarchy and empire had, in her final days, earned not only the devotion of the British but the respect of much of Europe.
Compared to noon, Queen Victoria's condition had visibly worsened. Her breathing was labored, her chest heaving.
The difference was stark. At midday, only a few doctors and nurses had been present. By afternoon, the room was filled with medical personnel.
Sensing the end approaching, Queen Victoria began to call out anxiously.
Those nearby leaned in and finally made out what she was saying.
"Arthur! Arthur!"
"Fetch Arthur! Her Majesty wants to see Arthur—quickly!"
Arthur had already been making his way back to the house when he heard the urgent calls. Alarmed, he picked up his pace and rushed into the queen's room, pushing the door open.
"Arthur!" Queen Victoria's dim eyes lit up the moment she saw him enter.
"I'm here, Grandmother. Arthur is here," he said quickly, stepping forward to take her trembling hand.
"Arthur, Grandmother loves you. Please forgive me—but the dignity of the British monarchy must not be damaged. If it falls, we all fall. I've told Edward to give you further compensation and help Australia build its industry. Arthur, live well—for your father and for me. Don't dwell on the past, alright?" Queen Victoria clutched his hand tightly, speaking each word with great effort.
"I understand, Grandmother. Don't worry. I've never once blamed you," Arthur said, nodding repeatedly.
"That's good, my child. Your father was my favorite son, and you are my favorite grandson. I know you have your ambitions—but those take time and patience, don't they?" she said with a faint smile, using her last strength to gently touch his forehead.
"I understand, Grandmother. Please don't speak anymore. Rest well. When you're better, we'll talk more," Arthur said, feeling her grip weaken, struggling to hold back his emotions.
"It's alright, my child. Call Edward here," she whispered.
Crown Prince Edward, already waiting at her side, immediately knelt at her bedside when she called his name.
"Edward, no matter what happens, Arthur is your nephew. He's lost his father—and soon, he'll lose his grandmother. Protect him. That's my final request to you," Queen Victoria said, turning to Edward.
"Yes, Mother. I promise. As long as I live, no one will lay a hand on Arthur," Edward replied at once.
"All the servants and guards I brought with me—I leave them to Arthur, along with their families," she continued. "British New Guinea shall be placed under Australia's administration. Britain will relinquish all sovereignty and authority. Arthur will also be appointed Governor of New Zealand for twenty years. No one may revoke this position for any reason. After twenty years, the future of New Zealand will be decided by public referendum—whether to remain with Australia or return to Britain."
"Y-Yes, Mother," Edward said with great hesitation, but ultimately had no choice but to agree.
He had seen the fire in her eyes. If he dared refuse, she might well write someone else into her will as heir.
The room erupted in silent shock. British New Guinea and New Zealand combined represented hundreds of thousands of square kilometers of land.
More importantly, both territories were geographically close to Australia. If Australia fully controlled them, it would become the undisputed power in the South Pacific—untouchable by any rival.
As for appointing Arthur as Governor of New Zealand for twenty years, everyone understood: it was effectively a gift of New Zealand to Arthur.
Once Australia had controlled New Zealand for two decades, there would be little chance of it ever returning to British rule.
"Edward, I want your promise that the British Empire will not, within twenty years, take any action—diplomatic or otherwise—against Australia. And for ten years, Britain must provide all forms of support, including military, to Australia, officially recognizing and guaranteeing Australia's full independence. During this time, Britain must provide at least five million pounds in annual support and must not stop immigration to Australia for any reason," Queen Victoria continued.
Crown Prince Edward had no choice but to nod again and make another promise.
If these commitments were upheld, Australia would not need to fear any foreign threats for the next ten years, with the British Empire obligated to defend it.
As for the possibility that Edward might renege on his promises—unlikely. With most of Europe's monarchs and statesmen present, if he broke his word, his credibility and prestige would be destroyed both at home and abroad.
Queen Victoria's intent was clear: force Edward to swear these oaths publicly, leaving him no room to back out.
(End of Chapter)
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