3-066-019 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Monument to the late Prince Imperial, at Chiselhurst [sic], 1881. 'A monument has been erected on Chiselhurst-common, near the house which was occupied by the Emperor Napoleon III. and the Empress Eugenie, to the memory of their only child, the Prince Imperial, whose body, with that of his father, lies in the mortuary chapel attached to St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, at Chiselhurst. The memorial, a Runic cross, which is made of gray granite, 27 ft. high, rests on a solid granite base led up to by steps, and is beautifully carved and ornamented. In the front is the inscription: "Napoléon Eugène Louis Jean Joseph, Prince Imperial, born in Paris 16th March, 1856; killed by the enemy in Zululand 1st June, 1879." On the back of the memorial the following extract from the last will and testament of the Prince will be inscribed: "I shall die with a feeling of profound gratitude to her Majesty the Queen of England and to all the Royal family and to the country where I have received during eight years such cordial hospitality." The granite is from the quarries of Messrs. Shearer, Field, and Co., of Cornwall, who have executed the work from the design of Mr. G. W. Robson, architect'. From "Illustrated London News", 1881.