The Prince of Wales later King Edward VII toured the subcontinent during 1875-1876. His tour included a visit to Madras during which he laid the foundation of Madras Harbour works on 15th December 1875. In 1875 Edward was hardly a man of 34 years was not in the good books of Queen Victoria in view of his habits. He was sent to the subcontinent to improve his stature and to become a model monarch. Victoria had also her own ambition to become the Empress of India which she did two years later. The tour of the Prince was meant to improve diplomatic relations with the sub continent and various Kings, Maharajahs and Nabobs to make way for Victorias ambition. He was given a grand reception at Madras Club, Mount Road which was attended by the who's who of Madras. He could ultimately become King in 1901 at the ripe age of 60.
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