introduction to Lord Chelmsford from the Commander in Chief, the Duke of Cambridge and
allowed to proceed to southern Africa on 27 February, 1879 under the proviso that he be kept out
of harms way.
The Prince joined Chelmsford's staff in a nominal manner and where he quickly won over all he
met while at the same time an certain natural authority came to the fore, a trait that would in
effect leave in command of a reconnaissance patrol soon after.
On 1 June, the Prince set out on patrol with six mounted volunteers with the group under the
assumed command of Lieutenant Carey of the 98th Foot. The patrol was to be reinforced by
additional mounted Basutos but when the former failed to appear at the appointed rendezvous site
it proceeded with out them. The patrol moved on and took rest at a deserted Zulu kraal in the
early afternoon. Unbeknown to the members of the patrol A party of Zulus had been quietly
approaching their resting place and as the patrol mounted to begin their return trip to camp the
Zulus burst out of the long grass and scattered the surprised troopers.
allowed to proceed to southern Africa on 27 February, 1879 under the proviso that he be kept out
of harms way.
The Prince joined Chelmsford's staff in a nominal manner and where he quickly won over all he
met while at the same time an certain natural authority came to the fore, a trait that would in
effect leave in command of a reconnaissance patrol soon after.
On 1 June, the Prince set out on patrol with six mounted volunteers with the group under the
assumed command of Lieutenant Carey of the 98th Foot. The patrol was to be reinforced by
additional mounted Basutos but when the former failed to appear at the appointed rendezvous site
it proceeded with out them. The patrol moved on and took rest at a deserted Zulu kraal in the
early afternoon. Unbeknown to the members of the patrol A party of Zulus had been quietly
approaching their resting place and as the patrol mounted to begin their return trip to camp the
Zulus burst out of the long grass and scattered the surprised troopers.
The Prince attempted to mount his spooked horse but fell when the
saddle's holster strap to which he holding gave way. Pursued by some
dozen Zulus he gained his feet and turned to face the onrushing
warriors. Defending himself with his revolver an opponent's assigai
he fought "like a lion at bay" until he fell under the weight of his
enemies numbers.
Thus the last aspirations of the Bonapartist party to the imperial
throne of France ended in a donga near the Itshotshosi River in
Zululand.
saddle's holster strap to which he holding gave way. Pursued by some
dozen Zulus he gained his feet and turned to face the onrushing
warriors. Defending himself with his revolver an opponent's assigai
he fought "like a lion at bay" until he fell under the weight of his
enemies numbers.
Thus the last aspirations of the Bonapartist party to the imperial
throne of France ended in a donga near the Itshotshosi River in
Zululand.
| Napoleon Eugene Louis Joseph Bonaparte, The Prince Imperial of France Mounted Woodburytype Photograph from The South African Campaign of 1879 London Stereoscopic Company, London, England c. 1880 |
Today the Prince rests in St Michael's Abbey Church, Farnborough while his effigy at Saint Mary's
Catholic Church, Chislehurst is dressed in the patrol uniform of the Royal Artillery - a strange fate for
the descendant and and namesake of one of Britain's greatest enemies.
The following items reflect the Prince's brief and completely unofficial career in the British Army.
Catholic Church, Chislehurst is dressed in the patrol uniform of the Royal Artillery - a strange fate for
the descendant and and namesake of one of Britain's greatest enemies.
The following items reflect the Prince's brief and completely unofficial career in the British Army.
| Napoleon Eugene Louis Joseph Bonaparte, The Principe Imperial of France The last portrait taken in Natal on the eve of his leaving for the war. London Stereoscopic Company, London, England c. 1879 |
| Left: A page from the Duke of Cambridge's guest or calling book bearing the signature of the Prince Imperial. February 1879 |
| Right: An oval die-cut photograph of the Prince Imperial wearing his cadets uniform from the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich. c. 1875 |
| Left: Long after the Prince's death he still found a place in the public imagination. This is reflected even in popular music. Sheet Music "The Prince Imperial Gallop Charles Coote De Luxe Music Company Broadway & 28th Street New York, New York United States c. 1910 |