3-065-938 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Embarkation of the Emperor of Russia at Gravesend, 1874. Alexander II leaves England after a royal visit. 'The Emperor's departure, on Thursday week, was an occasion for the manifestation of sincere public feeling...The Emperor wore the uniform of a Russian Admiral...The Princess of Wales was in a black dress relieved by maize yellow [Russian imperial colours]...the Emperor gave his arm to the Princess of Wales, and walked down the pier to the landing-stage...The pier was decorated with flags...A large number of ladies had gathered on the pier. These respectfully saluted the Royal party as they passed along the carpeted way. The landing-stage was prettily draped with Russian and English flags...One of the boats of the Yitiaz was in waiting at the foot of the landing-stage, and into this descended the Emperor, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and Prince Arthur...It was about a quarter past six in the evening when the guns of the Channel squadron thundered England's farewell to the Emperor of Russia'. From "Illustrated London News", 1874.