The Rise Of Australasia - Chapter 53
Chapter 53: Heading to Europe
Translator: 549690339 |
On October 30,1900, after a few days of brief preparations and settling domestic affairs, Arthur set off on his journey to Europe with a large diplomatic visitation group consisting of a series of officials including Foreign Minister Andrew, Minister of Industry Pierre, and Minister of Defence Kent.
This diplomatic visiting team had two purposes: one was to accompany Arthur to attend Queen Victoria’s funeral, and the other was to seek support and more technology from the United Kingdom and Germany.
As for Germany, it goes without saying that William II still wanted Australia to harass France’s Asian and African colonies during wartime and would naturally not be stingy with industrial and technological support at this time.
As for the United Kingdom, although Queen Victoria had passed away, her will, along with her funeral, would be broadcasted throughout the United Kingdom and even the entire world.
At this rather special moment, neither Prince Edward nor the British officials would risk angering the British people in defiance of Queen Victoria’s will.
Therefore, it is quite easy for Australia to obtain greater support from Britain and Germany at present, and it is only natural to sign some immigration and trade treaties at this time.
The 31st of October, which was close to the 30th, was the famous western holiday, All Hallows’ Eve.
However, there were no children on Arthur’s warship, so the All Hallows’ Eve, which should have been spent joyously, was also commandeered by Arthur to make the officers work overtime and hold relevant meetings.
This diplomatic visiting team was extremely formal, not only with the presence of the three cabinet ministers, but also with officers from almost every department joining, seeking support from both Britain and Germany in various aspects.
The fact that such a sensation could be caused among the various cabinet departments was due to the joint efforts of Queen Victoria and Arthur, the British Empire, and the German Empire in providing support to Australia, which was basically free and selfless.
Of course, the greatest contribution belonged to Queen Victoria.
With the support of the world’s first naval power and first army power, what could Australia grow into?
On November 27, nearly a month later, the Australian fleet finally docked at
the Port of London.
Although referred to as a fleet, it was actually just a few warships made up of the navies of the original colonies.
Due to the small scale of the directly affiliated naval forces of each colony, the size of the Australian navy was not large, consisting only of a few light cruisers, escort ships, and some coastal artillery ships.
It was only these few light cruisers and escort ships that could come to the fore, representing the largest scale fleet dispatched by the Australian visitation team.
After docking at the port, Princess Beatrice, representing the royal family, greeted them at the port.
During this time, warships from various European countries and even the world’s major countries had come to the United Kingdom in order to pay their respects and attend Queen Victoria’s funeral.
As a member of the British royal family, Arthur was arranged to stay in his original room in Buckingham Palace.
Other royal family members and senior officials of other countries did not have this treatment, and apart from some members of the royal families of powerful nations, the others could only stay in various hotels or small manor houses in London.
Arthur’s original room was located at a corner of Buckingham Palace, next to the room where Prince Duke Arthur once lived.
This huge corner and the nearby various constructions were once owned by Arthur’s family, but sadly, everything has now changed.
Returning to his familiar room, the furnishings and decorations had remained the same. Even though it had been unoccupied for almost half a year, it was evident that the room was cleaned daily, remaining immaculate and tidy.
This room was Arthur’s most familiar place in the United Kingdom. During his first three months in the UK, he spent most of his time in this room reading books, as he was unfamiliar with the surroundings.
He had scarcely enjoyed a few moments of silence in his room before a royal guard came to deliver a message that Prince Edward desired his company for dinner.
Without hesitation, Arthur followed the guard to the Banquet Hall. Although now in the United Kingdom, Arthur was not worried about his safety. Queen Victoria’s last will had spread throughout the country and even the world, and even in her final moments, Arthur had held Queen Victoria’s hand. At the moment, all the British people had a preliminary good impression of Arthur. Many who had respected Queen Victoria began to pay attention to Arthur after her death.
If something were to happen to Arthur in Britain before Queen Victoria’s funeral, the British Government and the Royal Family would face the wrath of the people.
No Briton would allow anything to happen to Arthur, who had been loved and cared for by Queen Victoria even in her final moments, during his visit to the United Kingdom for her funeral.
In other words, as long as Arthur did not actively oppose the British and did not say anything to hurt the British people, Queen Victoria’s actions during her lifetime would be his final safeguard. As long as Queen Victoria’s prestige in the hearts of the British people was not completely erased, Arthur would receive their affection and care.
Upon arriving at Buckingham Palace’s Banquet Hall, Arthur couldn’t help but sigh.
It used to be the place where Queen Victoria entertained foreign guests, and now Prince Edward was using it to entertain him.
The implication was clear – Prince Edward wanted to remind Arthur that he was now the undisputed master of the United Kingdom, and Arthur, even with the sympathy of the British people, was merely a guest of Prince Edward and Britain.
Shaking his head with a smile, Arthur sat down quietly, waiting for Prince Edward’s arrival.
In a short while, Prince Edward appeared with a friendly smile.
Arthur stood up and said with a smile, “Uncle Edward.”
“Ah, it’s been a long time, Arthur. It’s been a month since we last met on White Island. You haven’t been to the United Kingdom in a while; how does it feel to be back?” Prince Edward greeted him before asking with a meaningful smile.
“Well, Uncle, the United Kingdom is indeed much more prosperous than Australia, but after getting used to Australia, I feel somewhat out of place in the UK,” Arthur replied.
It was indeed the truth; he preferred the freedom of life in Australia compared to the constraints he experienced in the United Kingdom.
“Hahaha, that must be because you’ve lost your grandmother and aren’t used to it, Arthur. Don’t worry, you still have me here in the United Kingdom. You can talk to me about anything during this time, and I can help you solve it.” Prince Edward laughed heartily upon receiving the answer he wanted..
