The Prince of Wales's Tour of India in 1875-6
Albert Edward's tour aimed to strengthen ties between the two countries
Sayaji Rao III, Gaekwar of Baroda (1875-1938)
1875-76RCIN 2701622
The Prince first met the 12-year old Gaekwar of Baroda during a reception in Bombay. Russell recorded that during this first meeting
all eyes were dazzled when Maharaja Syajee Rao […] stood at the threshold of the door a crystallised rainbow [...] He was weighted, head, neck, chest, arms, fingers, ankles, with such a sight and wonder of vast diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and pearls.
William Howard Russel
This photograph of the Gaekwar was probably taken shortly after the reception in Bombay and shows the ruler wearing many of the gifts that the Prince presented to him, such as the commemorative medal, presentational sword, belt, chain and book all decorated with the Prince of Wales’s feathers.