Chapter 49 The Crowd at Sydney Harbor
October 26, 1900 — Sydney Harbor.
After more than a day's journey, Arthur finally arrived in Sydney, bringing with him over two thousand soldiers and attendants from the Isle of Wight.
Transporting such a large group was no small feat. Australia's underdeveloped navy couldn't have managed it alone.
Fortunately, Wilhelm II, sensing Arthur's logistical difficulties before departing, dispatched a German transport ship from German New Guinea to assist, successfully delivering the entire contingent to Australia.
Sydney Harbor.
By this time, the harbor was packed with crowds and officials gathered in welcome.
News of Queen Victoria's passing had spread around the world within days. Along with it, stories of Arthur—her final words and heartfelt instructions—became known across the globe through major newspapers.
That sentence—"You have already lost your father, and soon you will lose your grandmother"—deeply moved many.
The crowd at the harbor had come to greet Arthur as a clear expression of their stance: the people of Australia would always stand behind Arthur. Australia would always be his strongest pillar.
One should not underestimate Queen Victoria's influence in the British Empire, nor should one overlook Arthur's prestige in Australia.
It was precisely the combined weight of Queen Victoria's legacy and Arthur's achievements—along with the Queen's heartfelt final words—that swayed public sentiment. Even in Britain, people began to sympathize with the young prince, born of royal blood and forced to build a new life in distant Australia.
But in Australia, the emotions ran deeper. Arthur's reforms had directly benefited the people. His welfare programs were felt firsthand, and the tax reductions made him their champion.
The people had accepted him—not just as a ruler, but as a respected and admired monarch who might truly lead Australia to greatness.
Driven by this loyalty, many passionate Australians spontaneously gathered at the harbor to show their love and support for their sovereign. They wanted Arthur to know that Australia stood with him—always.
Perhaps Queen Victoria's final words had no grand political motive, but they had undeniably won the hearts of both Britons and Australians. She had gifted Arthur the people's love and the world's sympathy.
As the battleship approached the harbor, the deafening cheers of the crowd reached Arthur's ears even through the thick steel hull.
Startled, he hadn't expected such a turnout—so many people, shouting with such passion.
The moment he stepped off the ship, the roar only intensified. The very ground seemed to shake, and even the birds above scattered from the noise.
"Long live His Highness!"
"Australia stands with His Highness forever! Long live His Highness!"
Though the crowd's cries were somewhat chaotic, Arthur could make out several repeated phrases clearly.
Despite the weight in his heart, Arthur couldn't help but be moved.
It was proof that his efforts in Australia had borne fruit. In an era where monarchy still reigned supreme, a benevolent, people-loving ruler like Arthur would inevitably win the loyalty and affection of the masses.
As soon as Arthur disembarked, Prime Minister Evan and the entire cabinet came forward to greet him.
They bowed respectfully before offering words of comfort for his loss.
"Prime Minister Evan, what is this?" Arthur asked, gesturing toward the packed harbor.
"Your Highness, this wasn't arranged by the government. These people came on their own after hearing of Her Majesty's passing. They wanted to welcome and console you," Evan explained with a smile.
"Alright, let them disperse," Arthur said, waving his hand. "Everyone has work to do—there's no need to gather here. Tell them: I will not fall because of hardship, and neither will Australia. We now have Britain's support, and our nation will only develop faster."
Although the presence of thousands at the harbor was impressive, Australia was in a phase of rapid development. Most of the people there had jobs. If they delayed their work just to welcome him—or even lost a day's wages—it would be counterproductive.
"Your Highness, is it true that we're going to manage British New Guinea and New Zealand?" a voice suddenly asked from the crowd.
"Oh?" Arthur turned to the speaker—a young man who looked barely of age.
"What's your name?" Arthur asked, intrigued.
Though many had cheered him, few dared speak so directly—especially to question him.
"Harry Murray, Your Highness. William Henry Harry Murray," the youth replied.
"Oh?" Arthur raised his eyebrows, surprised. It turned out this young man would one day become a figure of renown.
Harry Murray—or William Henry Harry Murray—would go on to become a celebrated Australian soldier during World War I, and later described as one of the most decorated British soldiers during World War II.
He would be awarded the Victoria Cross, the honor Queen Victoria herself had created.
That medal's prestige? Since its creation in 1856, only about 1,300 had been awarded, and after World War II, only 13 more were issued.
Created by Queen Victoria to honor heroism in the Crimean War, it had become the highest military honor for any British soldier—a symbol of valor and sacrifice.
For one man to earn it said much about his courage and achievements during the Great War.
"A fine name, Harry. Yes, that's true. Her Majesty entrusted British New Guinea to Australia, and I've been appointed Governor of New Zealand. From now on, British New Guinea will be part of Australia," Arthur replied.
Cheers erupted from the crowd.
Nothing thrilled a nation more than expanding its territory—especially doing so peacefully, without shedding a drop of blood.
(End of Chapter)
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