Chapter 4 A British prince and a transnational life: Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh’s visit to Australia, 1867–68 Cindy McCreery The voyages of Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh (1844–1900), offer a useful entrée to understanding transnational lives in nineteenth-century Britain and Australia. Alfred crossed borders and nationalities as a prince and serving officer in the Royal Navy. His visit to Australia in 1867–68, the first by a member of the British royal family, attracted considerable attention. 1 Examining official and private accounts of the visit enables us to consider the transnational dimensions of Alfred and his Australian hosts, as well as those of contemporary Britons and Australians in general. Indeed, employing a transnational perspective enriches our historical understanding of such ‘British’ institutions as the Royal Family and the Royal Navy. Alfred’s visit to Australia demonstrates how contemporary individuals, families and societies were seen, and saw themselves, as transnational. Furthermore, while much of this experience took place within the British Empire, much of it took place beyond it. A British prince At first glance, it might seem odd to describe the second son of Queen Victoria—that most secure and relatively sedentary of British monarchs—as leading a transnational life. Surely the only identity that really mattered, in Alfred’s eyes and others, was his status as the Queen’s son and heir, the second in line to the British throne? 2 Alfred’s royal status was certainly made much of in Australia. His familial relationship with Queen Victoria and his status as her proxy were stressed throughout his visit. Colonists sang ‘We love thee for thy father’s fame…And for thy mother’s sake!’ and noted that Alfred’s presence provided them with the ‘opportunity of expressing our devotion to Her Majesty’s throne and person’. 3 Queen Victoria was also anxious that her son’s royal position be properly acknowledged. 4 As we will see below, however, while Alfred could insist on strict protocol, he preferred to avoid it. 57