Watercolour by G.H. Thomas

After the political changes in 1848 and the outbreak of the Crimean War (in which France and England were allies), Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were anxious to establish a good personal relationship with the new head of state in France. In April 1855 Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie were the guests of Queen Victoria at Windsor Castle. This watercolour by G.H. Thomas records their progress through the State Entrance Hall following their arrival at Windsor on 16 April 1855.