In 1861, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert decided that their eldest son, Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII), would benefit from an extended tour of Egypt and the Middle East in 1862. It was thought that such a tour would provide the Prince with the opportunity to learn about ancient cultures, history and religions. It would also offer him the chance to meet many of the rulers and diplomats in the region, an experience that they regarded as an essential part of his training as heir to the throne.

This is the Prince’s handwritten journal of that tour from the Royal Archives, published in full for the first time and brought to life with photographs by royal photographer, Francis Bedford.