Francis Bedford was commissioned by Queen Victoria to accompany the future King Edward VII on his tour of the Middle East in spring 1862. This lavishly illustrated and beautifully produced book traces their route through Egypt, Palestine, Turkey and Greece, using Bedford's photographs alongside extracts from the Prince's diary and other newly discovered archival material, published here for the first time. In often stifling heat, Bedford produced over 200 negatives, including images of architecture and stunning landscapes, as well as portraits of those he encountered on the tour - both local inhabitants and members of the royal party.