![[The Prince of Wales and group at the Pyramids, Giza, Egypt] The Prince of Wales and his entourage on camels posing for camera in front of Pyramid of Cheops and Pyramid of Cephrenes, Giza, Cairo. The Prince is seated on the camel fifth from the left. The man in the white suit with a cigar, gazing up at the Prince,](https://cmsadmin.rct.uk/sites/default/files/lead-image/site-section/234412-1323100740.jpg)
Royal Travel
Modes of travel and travelling accessories used by monarchs past and present
Carriage clock
<i>c</i>.1850RCIN 30436
Carriage clocks, specially designed for travelling, were developed in early nineteenth-century France. Their rectangular cases typically incorporate a carrying handle for easy transportation, as here. Rather than a pendulum mechanism, which might easily be damaged when on the move, the clocks have a more robust spring-driven lever escapement, which moves the hands at a steady rate. This clock belonged to the Emperor Napoleon III and its glazed top is painted in gold with his 'N' cipher. Queen Victoria, who was a close friend of the Emperor, was presented with this clock after the Emperor's death.