Figure 1.--This is the Prince Imperial's Highland outfit. He also had a plaid kilt. We are not sure what the Jewelled belt is called. As far as weknow, the Prince never actually visited Scotland. of it.

Of course, France has a long history of association with Scotland. The Prince actually wore a kilt outfit, but he also had a Highland outfit for special occasions. What we do not know is if the Royal Family actually visited Scotland. Wedo know that the Empress Eugenie visited Scotland on a private, not a state visit (1860). Napoleon III did not accompany her, but we do not know about the Prince Imperial who would have been about 4 years old. She did not meet with Queen Victoria there. She visited Blair Castle and Loch Lomond (November). She also visited England. She sailed up the loch and the press reported 'A cloudless sky, a snow-covered Ben, the full moon shed a flood of silvery light, and a scene of unsurpassed beauty.' The Empress was provided a guard of honor. An orchestr played a serenade. The Prince's Highlan outfit may have not been prepared to visit Scotland, but may have been seen as a British outfit and worn for a state visit to Queen Victoria in England. We know the Royal Family made a state visit to England (August 1857), but the Prince was only about 1 year old at the time. We do not know of a subsequent visit. The Prince of Wales visited France (1862). The British still viewed the French (especally a Bonaparte emperor with some suspcion.

Created: 2:59 AM 12/2/2011
Last updated: 2:59 AM 12/2/2011