As well as meeting the rulers of India during formal receptions, the Prince of Wales was also invited into the cities and towns for more informal visits. One such invitation came from Sayaji Rao III, Gaekwar of Baroda. The Prince arrived at Baroda by rail where a procession of 16 elephants awaited him. The elephant reserved for the Prince was the largest and dyed saffron with an elaborate silver-gilt howdah (seat) on its back. Russell observed that the howdah was 'of surpassing splendour, which shone like burnished gold in the morning sun'.