Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, made a tour of India from November 1875 to March 1876 during which he visited and received many Indian princes and officials. The tour, carried out with the Prince's customary tact and ease of manner, strived to show him as a symbol of a British rule worthy of respect and admiration, paving the way for Queen Victoria to become Empress of India later in 1876. As a result of the visit, 6 albums were compiled of photographs, some taken specially to commemorate the tour, as well as incorporating commercial prints already available. The Prince did not take a photographer from England with him. Instead he was accompanied by the chief of staff of 'the best known of Indian photographers', Bourne and Shepherd. He was assisted 'by a large number of skilled native photographers, who hope[d] in concert to produce a perfect panorama of the royal progress.'