Photograph in landscape format showing seascape at Cherbourg with six English Fleet ships accompanied by smaller vessels.

On 4 August 1858 Queen Victoria and Prince Albert sailed on the Royal Yacht Victoria and Albert to Cherbourg in order to meet Emperor Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie. The royal yacht received gun salutes from the English fleet who were awaiting her arrival in the harbour at Cherbourg.

Photographer’s credit on the print in red: Gustave Le Gray.

Text adapted from Victoria & Albert: Art & Love, London, 2010