A fascinating exhibition was recently held at the Queen’s Gallery in the Buckingham Palace, which followed the journey taken by the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) in 1862, as he undertook a four month tour around the Middle East.

Taken by Francis Bedford, the first photographer to travel on a royal tour, the photos reflect the cultural and political significance Victorian Britain attached to the region.

Athens and the Greek islands were among the stops of this significant voyage, during which the Prince met rulers, politicians and other notable figures and travelled in a manner quite unusual for royalty – often by horse and camping out in tents.

See below some of the photos of Athens recently presented in Buckingham Palace.

Athens

Athens

Athens

Antiparos

Rhodes