Chapter 53: Journey to Europe
On October 30, 1900, after a few days of brief preparation and issuing instructions regarding domestic affairs, Arthur, accompanied by a large diplomatic delegation including Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrew, Minister of Industry Pierre, and Minister of Defense Kent, officially embarked on his journey to Europe.
This diplomatic mission had two primary objectives: first, to accompany Arthur in attending Queen Victoria's funeral, and second, to seek support and technological advancement from Britain and Germany.
There was no need to elaborate on the German side. Kaiser Wilhelm II hoped that Australia would harass French colonies in Africa and Asia during times of war, so he was naturally generous with industrial and technological assistance.
As for Britain, although Queen Victoria had passed away, her will would be publicized alongside her funeral, spreading across Britain and even the entire world.
At such a sensitive moment, neither Crown Prince Edward nor British officials would risk enraging the British public by going against Queen Victoria's final wishes.
Therefore, it was relatively easy for Australia to obtain support from both Britain and Germany. Signing treaties on immigration and trade at this time was entirely appropriate.
Following the 30th, the 31st marked All Hallows' Eve, a well-known holiday in the West.
However, there were no children aboard Arthur's warship. What should have been a joyful evening was instead turned into an impromptu work session—Arthur ordered the officials to work overtime and convene a meeting.
This diplomatic mission was extremely formal. In addition to the three cabinet ministers, nearly every department sent representatives, aiming to seek comprehensive support from Britain and Germany.
The reason this mission caused such a stir across cabinet departments was due to the combined efforts of Queen Victoria and Arthur. The British Empire and the German Empire were offering their support to Australia freely and selflessly.
Of course, the greatest credit went to Queen Victoria.
With the world's most powerful navy and the strongest army backing it, what could Australia grow into?
On November 27, nearly a month later, Australia's fleet finally docked at the port of London.
Though called a fleet, it was actually just a few warships pieced together from the former colonial navies.
Due to the limited size of each colony's direct navy, Australia's naval force was not large—consisting mainly of a few light cruisers, escort ships, and some coastal defense gunboats.
The light cruisers and escort ships were the only vessels worthy of formal display, forming the largest fleet ever dispatched by Australia for a diplomatic visit.
Upon docking at the port, Princess Beatrice represented the royal family in welcoming the delegation.
During this time, countless warships from across Europe and the world arrived in Britain to mourn and participate in Queen Victoria's funeral.
As a member of the British royal family, Arthur was arranged to stay in his original room at Buckingham Palace.
Most other royal members and high-ranking officials from abroad didn't receive such treatment. Except for a few from major powers, the rest had to stay in London's hotels or small estates.
Arthur's original room was located at a corner of Buckingham Palace, adjacent to the former room of Duke Arthur.
That large corner and surrounding construction once belonged to Arthur's family—sadly, now everything had changed.
Returning to his familiar room, Arthur found that the furnishings and decor were still the same. Though no one had stayed there for over six months, it was clear that the room had been cleaned daily. It was spotless, tidy, and well-maintained.
This room was the most familiar place to Arthur in Britain. During his first three months after arriving in Britain, unfamiliar with his surroundings, he spent most of his time here reading books.
After sitting quietly for only a few minutes, a guard arrived with a message: Crown Prince Edward wanted to dine with him.
Without hesitation, Arthur followed the guard to the banquet hall.
Though he had arrived in Britain, Arthur wasn't worried about his personal safety. With Queen Victoria's final will spreading across Britain and the world, and the fact that Arthur had held her hand until the very end of her life, public sentiment was in his favor.
In the hearts of many British people, Arthur had earned their goodwill. Those who had once admired Queen Victoria now began to turn their attention to Arthur following her death.
If anything were to happen to Arthur in Britain before the Queen's funeral, the British government and royal family would likely face massive public outrage.
No Briton would tolerate anything bad happening to Arthur—the one Queen Victoria had loved and cared for until her final breath—during his visit to attend her funeral.
In other words, as long as Arthur did not deliberately go against Britain or say anything to offend the British people, Queen Victoria's actions in life would remain his final shield. As long as she remained revered in the hearts of the people, Arthur would enjoy their favor and protection.
Upon arriving at Buckingham Palace's banquet hall, Arthur couldn't help but feel emotional.
This had once been the place where Queen Victoria entertained foreign guests. Now, Crown Prince Edward was using it to host him.
The implication was clear: Crown Prince Edward intended to remind Arthur that he was now undeniably the master of Britain. And Arthur—no matter how much sympathy he garnered from the British people—was merely a guest of Edward and of Britain.
Shaking his head with a soft laugh, Arthur quietly took his seat and waited for the crown prince's arrival.
Not long after, Crown Prince Edward entered with a cheerful smile.
Arthur stood and greeted him warmly. "Uncle Edward."
"Yes, it's been a while, Arthur. It's been a month since we last parted on the Isle of Wight. How does it feel to be back in Britain after such a long time?" Crown Prince Edward began with polite small talk, then asked with a meaningful smile.
"It's all right, Uncle. While Britain is certainly more prosperous than Australia, after getting used to life there, Britain doesn't quite feel the same anymore," Arthur replied.
This was honest. Compared to living under others' roofs in Britain, Arthur preferred the freedom he enjoyed in Australia.
"Hahaha, you must be feeling out of place because you've lost your grandmother, Arthur. But don't worry—you still have me here in Britain. If there's anything you need during this time, just let me know, and I'll take care of it for you," Crown Prince Edward laughed heartily, pleased with the answer he had received.
(End of Chapter)
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