In July to September 1860 Prince Alfred paid an official visit to South Africa while serving as a midshipman on board HMS Euryalus. His tour took him through the Cape Colony, Eastern Cape, Natal and the Orange Free State. From Port Elizabeth he proceeded by land in a strenuous trip of five weeks by mule wagon and on horse-back which formed the so-called 'White Train'. The Prince, who had learnt the rudiments of photography before the visit, took with him a double stereoscopic box camera and other photographic materials and equipment. This photograph shows some men of the Royal party resting during an "outspan".