Chapter 47 The Death of the Queen
Arthur was deeply moved. In the final stage of her life, Queen Victoria was not preoccupied with the British Empire she had ruled for decades, nor with the numerous children and grandchildren gathered around her—she was thinking only of him.
Queen Victoria had poured all her love into Prince Albert. After losing him, she transferred that love to Duke Arthur. And after losing him as well, she gave that same love entirely to Arthur himself.
Perhaps the queen's successive losses—husband and son—had taken a heavy toll on her spirit and body. But no one could deny that her love for Prince Albert, for the Duke of Arthur, and for Arthur was pure and wholehearted.
At that moment, all eyes in the room were on Arthur. Everyone knew that, aside from Queen Victoria, Arthur was now the central figure of the day—soon to become one of the most watched nobles in the world.
Do not underestimate Queen Victoria's influence. In actual history, it was because Wilhelm II held her hand in her final moments that he earned the affection of many in Britain—people who had not previously viewed him favorably. Had Wilhelm not become obsessed with defeating France and challenging British naval supremacy, perhaps things could have turned out differently.
Now, Queen Victoria was making her will, and the first person she named was Arthur. He had remained by her side throughout.
Given Queen Victoria's immense authority in Britain, and Arthur's tragic background of losing both his father and grandmother, even Crown Prince Edward would have to think twice before challenging him.
"Arthur." After instructing Edward, Queen Victoria turned her gaze back to Arthur, maintaining her smile with effort. "I'm entrusting you with British New Guinea and New Zealand. I hope you'll govern them well and, with Australia, build a strong nation—one that no longer needs to fear any threats. I may not be able to stay with you much longer, Arthur… but your grandmother will be watching over you from heaven."
"Grandmother, don't say that…" Mature as Arthur was, in that moment, emotion overcame him. He wept openly, clutching her frail hands, overwhelmed with sadness.
"My child, don't cry. You are the Duke of Australia—you're a noble I'm proud of. No matter what happens, don't shed tears, alright? Remember, you have millions of people waiting for your leadership. You can't show them weakness," Queen Victoria said gently, wiping his tears.
Then came the formal declaration of her will. Arthur, overwhelmed with grief, barely registered the contents.
Fortunately, this part was witnessed by all and officially recorded, with scribes present to prevent any possibility of tampering.
When Queen Victoria finally finished declaring her will, Arthur slowly returned to his senses. Watching her now, drained of all strength, he felt a wave of both gratitude and helplessness. But death is not something mortals can stop. Her condition was worsening fast. Everyone knew—it would likely be her last day.
"Arthur… Arthur!"
In the silence, Queen Victoria's frail voice rang out, thin and strained.
"I'm here! I'm here, Grandmother! Speak, I'm here!" Arthur said urgently, gripping her hand tighter.
"Live well… your father and I will be watching over you from heaven… Arthur… you are a good boy… I'm proud of you…" Queen Victoria's gaze dimmed, and with her last breath she whispered, "Albert… Arthur… I'm coming."
…
It was over. Everything was over.
After sixty-three years on the British throne and twenty-four as Empress of India, Queen Victoria—one of the most influential monarchs in British history—who had defined the Victorian era and made Britain the dominant global empire—was gone.
The moment her hand slipped from Arthur's grasp, he knew: he had lost the one who loved him most. And perhaps, from now on, Britain would no longer be part of his future.
"Mother!" "Grandmother!" "Your Majesty!"
A chorus of anguished voices erupted in the room, reflecting the shock and sorrow felt by everyone present.
As people surged forward, Arthur was pushed to the queen's bedside. Stunned, he slowly began to grasp the enormity of what had just happened. It felt surreal. Yet it was undeniably real.
"Enough, everyone. Her Majesty's passing is something none of us wished for—but at least she departed with a smile, free of worry and pain. Let us pray for her in peace. No more shouting," Wilhelm II said, stepping forward to calm the scene.
While grief and heartbreak were understandable, it was unseemly for mourners to lose control in front of the departed queen.
"Everyone," said Crown Prince Edward, unwilling to let Wilhelm II seize the spotlight, "we are all saddened by Her Majesty's passing, but this is not ours to decide. Her passing was peaceful—surrounded by family, her final wishes fulfilled. However, for all of us, for the royal family, and for the British Empire, her loss is profound and immeasurable. I propose that all nations hold commemorative events in her honor, and that flags be flown at half-mast for one week."
Given Britain's global status during Queen Victoria's reign, it was not unreasonable for European nations to fly their flags at half-mast in her memory.
Edward's remarks served two purposes: first, to reinforce the British Empire's international stature; second, to subtly remind Wilhelm II that although he was an emperor and held the highest noble rank, this was still British soil—and Edward was about to become King of Britain and Emperor of India.
(End of Chapter)
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