Chapter 56: Conversation After the Funeral
Around 3 p.m., the hearse officially arrived outside Windsor Castle and continued along the Long Walk toward the entrance.
This was the final stretch leading into Windsor Castle, and thousands of British citizens had gathered on either side of the path to pay their last respects.
Under the gaze of a sorrowful public, Queen Victoria's hearse entered the castle gates and disappeared from sight.
The final burial took place in St. George's Chapel within Windsor Castle, a church frequently used for royal weddings, baptisms, and funerals.
The burial ceremony was officiated by David Conner, the Dean of St. George's Chapel. Attendance was by invitation only, with just under four hundred guests present.
Most of those attending were royal family members and current or former staff of private royal estates, symbolizing the close of Queen Victoria's reign.
The royal crown, orb, and scepter—symbols of monarchical power—were removed from the top of the coffin by the crown jeweler, marking Queen Victoria's final separation from her regalia.
Then, led by Edward VII, the entire royal family sang hymns inside the chapel. Arthur was, of course, among them.
Following the last hymn, the ceremonial flag of the Household Division was laid on the coffin. This unit serves as the highest-level ceremonial guard for royal occasions.
Lastly, the chapel once again filled with the sounds of blessings and "God Save the King," as Queen Victoria's body was solemnly interred in the Royal Mausoleum, beside Prince Albert.
Thus concluded Queen Victoria's funeral, symbolizing not only her passing but also the end of her era and the beginning of a new one—under the reign of Edward VII.
With the confirmation of his new title, Edward was now officially King of the United Kingdom and Emperor of India, Edward VII.
As Queen Victoria's coffin was placed in the mausoleum, attention gradually shifted to Edward VII.
As the new sovereign and leader of the British Empire, Edward was now in a position to wield significant influence, bolstered by the lingering prestige of Queen Victoria.
His attitude and behavior would shape the British government's future policies and direction.
As the leading global power of the time, all nations awaited Britain's stance on Europe's current political climate. Everyone was waiting to see where Britain would stand.
Yet Edward VII maintained a notably low profile during the funeral. Regardless of who tried to speak with him, he kept a solemn demeanor and avoided personal interaction.
Frustrated, the guests slowly dispersed, though they didn't leave Britain.
In seven days, they would attend another grand ceremony: the coronation of Edward VII.
These guests would witness, today and again in a week, the transition of power in Britain—the end of an era and the rise of a new monarch.
Arthur, blending into the crowd, was just about to slip away quietly when a familiar voice called out from behind.
"Arthur, it's been a long time!"
Turning around, he saw Wilhelm II, whom he hadn't seen since their parting on the Isle of Wight a month earlier.
Wilhelm II was also keeping a low profile today. Firstly, because the day belonged to Queen Victoria and the British royal family, and secondly, because in Britain, his presence naturally attracted less attention than Edward VII's.
But Wilhelm II didn't mind. In fact, the less attention he drew, the more relaxed he felt.
"Cousin Wilhelm, indeed it's been a while," Arthur responded with a polite smile and bow.
Only members of the British royal family could participate in the funeral procession, so despite being an emperor, Wilhelm II had waited at Windsor Castle.
"Arthur, how about having a meal together later?" With so many foreign dignitaries and royals present, Wilhelm had no intention of discussing business just yet.
"Of course," Arthur nodded, and the two left Windsor Castle together.
An emperor of the German Empire and a duke personally protected by Queen Victoria's final will—Wilhelm II and Arthur's departure caught the eyes of many, including Edward VII.
Watching the two leave as though they were close friends, Edward VII's eyes briefly flickered with a sharp glint, but he quickly resumed his polite conversations with the surrounding guests as if nothing had happened.
The restaurant Wilhelm II had chosen was in a private estate on the outskirts of London and was closed to the public.
It was an exclusive dining venue for nobles and royalty—clearly owned by Wilhelm himself.
Western monarchs and nobles were known for their extravagance, and such a restaurant far surpassed any Michelin-starred establishment. It was just one among many luxurious private restaurants, some of which might only be visited once a year.
After asking about Arthur's preferences, the kitchen began preparing lunch tailored specifically for them.
Menus did not exist in a place like this.
Once the guards were dismissed, Wilhelm II smiled at Arthur and said, "Arthur, I didn't expect Grandmother to care about you so deeply. In her final moments, the first thing she mentioned was granting you British New Guinea and New Zealand."
Arthur shook his head with a faint smile. "Compared to those territories, I would have much rather that Grandmother had never left."
"All right, let's not dwell on such heavy topics, Arthur. Grandmother may be gone, but life goes on, doesn't it? With British New Guinea and New Zealand now under your control, Australia is well on its way to becoming the dominant power in the South Pacific," Wilhelm II said, steering the conversation in a lighter direction.
"You exaggerate, Cousin Wilhelm. Regional dominance is too grand a claim. At most, Australia has some influence in Oceania. There are still colonies of the great powers nearby, and to the north is the Dutch East Indies under international protection. We can only focus on developing quietly in Oceania. That's far from hegemony," Arthur replied with a shake of his head.
Perhaps in another ten years or more of steady development, Australia could aim for regional hegemony in Oceania and Southeast Asia.
But for now, it was still a newly independent state with colonies. At best, it could barely maintain its sovereignty.
"Arthur, how are the talks with Uncle Edward going? Has Britain agreed to give Australia substantial aid?" Wilhelm II asked, getting to the point.
In terms of lineage, Australia was undoubtedly closer to Britain. Most Australians were descendants of British immigrants, convicts, or indigenous peoples, having intermarried and evolved over decades or even centuries into a new nationality.
Since Arthur's integration of the six Australian colonies, the term "Australian" had become more generalized—essentially referring to all citizens of Australia.
Viewed this way, more than half of Australians were of British descent, and the vast majority carried British blood.
(End of Chapter)
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