[2] The two oldest sons of the Prince of Wales had entered the navy in 1877, and by 1879 it had been decided by the Royal Family and the Government that the two should undertake a cruise.

[3] They were assigned to Bacchante, which was then part of a squadron intended to patrol the sea lanes of the British Empire.

Serving aboard the squadron's flagship, HMS Inconstant at this time was their relation, Prince Louis of Battenberg.

The squadron initially consisted of HMS Inconstant, Bacchante, Diamond and Topaze, the composition altering during the voyages as ships left, or were joined by new ones.

[3] The Princes made regular diary entries, which were later published as two volumes in 1886 as The Cruise of Her Majesty's Ship Bacchante.