The three stops chosen by Queen Victoria were actually the last things Queen Victoria wanted to do for the British Empire and Arthur.

Docking at the Suez Canal and India could stabilize the hearts and minds of Indians and strengthen the rule of the British Empire in India.

The stop in Australia is very obvious for Arthur to stand up, so that Arthur can have a good foundation in Australia.

March 29, 1900.

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

India was originally administered by the British East India Company, and the princely states were nominally independent and recognized the British king as co-rulers.

But since the Indian National Revolt, the British East India Company has fulfilled its mission by handing over power to Queen Victoria.

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

Since then, India has completely ended its former semi-independent and semi-colonial status and has completely become a colony of the British Empire.

The current viceroy of India is George Curzon, who is famous for dividing Bengal in India, sending troops to the north, and dividing the Soviet-Polish border.

At noon, the fleet successfully docked in 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 breathe.

Although the British government's cruise for Queen Victoria and Arthur is luxurious, it not only has all the facilities, but also has two small gardens and a swimming pool.

But it has to be said that life on a cruise ship is not as real as on land. Although Arthur is still doing well, he is still looking forward to stepping on solid ground.

On the port, Governor George had already learned the news, and he was greeted by Kitchener, the commander-in-chief of the Indian army.

"Her Majesty, Your Highness the Duke." The two saluted.

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

"Marquis George, General Kitchener, long time no see." Queen Victoria smiled in response.

Governor George Curzon and General Kitchener both had a very distinct characteristic, both of whom were very capable men and had their own unique understanding of things.

But often these two people will have some contradictions in a certain aspect, and this is the case in the original history.

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

However, no flaw can hide the talents of the two men, and after returning to England, Governor George also served as Lord Keeper of the Seals, a member of the wartime cabinet, and a foreign secretary.

General Kitchener, who was made Field Marshal in 1909 as Secretary of War and recruited a large number of volunteers without the consent of the Cabinet before the First World War, although somewhat arbitrary, it was indeed thanks to his foresight that Britain had a large professional army to fight Germany to the end.

"George hasn't been back to England for two years, I've been staying in India, I've been working hard for you." Queen Victoria smiled and looked at Governor George, condolences.

"Yes, Your Majesty, it's been two years. But I don't have to work hard, India is one of the most important regions in the whole empire, and it is an honor for me to be appointed by His Majesty as the Viceroy of India, and I must not fail His Majesty's trust and plunge India into a crisis. Governor George said solemnly.

"Well, that's good. In the future, India's stability will depend on you and General Kitchener to maintain it. I hope that the shining pearl of India will not be dusty in the hands of the two of you. Queen Victoria smiled with satisfaction.

Governor George's abilities Queen Victoria trusted, otherwise he would not have held such an important position as the Viceroy of India at the age of 39, which is very young for a politician.

"General Kitchener, your service in South Africa is so remarkable that people are happy to call you the hero of England." Queen Victoria smiled and looked at General Kitchener and said.

"I just did what I was supposed to do, Your Majesty." General Kitchener gave a military salute and said.

"Either way, you do have a credit to the British Empire. Originally, I was going to wait until I returned to England to reward you, but I think I might as well take advantage of today's opportunity to reward you directly. Queen Victoria said with a smile.

Immediately, Queen Victoria immediately retracted 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 to Egypt and South Africa, I award you the title of Baron of Khartoum and allow you to visit England once this year. In addition, the 50,000 pounds is a reward for you, and the empire will never forget those who have meritorious service to the empire. The queen said solemnly.

"Thank you, Your Majesty, and may your Majesty and the Empire live long!" General Kitchener excitedly accepted the fifty thousand pound bills handed by his servant.

Fifty thousand pounds sterling was not the real thing that excited General Kitchener, but the baron's bounty was what moved this talented soldier.

Although the baron is only the lowest link in the traditional aristocratic system, there are four levels of viscount, earl, marquis, and duke.

But in fact, because of different cultural differences, the aristocratic hierarchy of European monarchies is also different.

As far as England is concerned, English titles are generally composed of barons, viscounts, earls, dukes, princes, and kings, and it is not easy for commoners to be awarded barons and viscounts by merit.

Ordinary earls and dukes are inherited by members of the royal family or old nobles, and ordinary people have no share.

After a brief welcome ceremony, Queen Victoria rode in a carriage and stayed with Arthur in George's Doge's Palace.

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

Unlike other places, Queen Victoria will stay in India for three days, one is to review the achievements of India, and the other is to rest for a while, just to replenish the fleet.

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

Especially after a half-month-long sea voyage, 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, ensuring that the coal and household supplies on board could last until the next destination, Australia.