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Detail from a map of India and the Middle East, showing the route of the Prince of Wales' tour
The Prince of Wales's Tour of India in 1875-6

Albert Edward's tour aimed to strengthen ties between the two countries

NORTHERN INDIAN

Arm guards

Eighteenth century

RCIN 11496

When the Prince visited Gwalior, the Maharaja organised a grand military review, which included 8,000 soldiers. Russell noted the dazzling armour of those partaking in the review: 

Some wore damascened chain-armour armlets and thigh-pieces inlaid with gold. One [wore] chain-armour covered with gold plaques inlaid with pearls; another wore necklaces of pearls and emeralds over an enamelled breast-plate of fine steel

William Howard Russell

As a gift from the Maharaja of Gwalior, the Prince received this ornate pair of armguards made of gold and lined with silk. The handguards are embroidered with diamonds and pearls. 


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