Cakobau controlled most of the eastern parts of the Fijian Islands and declared himself King of Fiji (Tui Viti).

However, in June 1871, John Bates Thurston, the British honorary consul, persuaded the Fijian chiefs to accept a constitutional monarchy with Cakobau as the King, but with real power in the hands of a cabinet and legislature dominated by Australian settlers.

In 1872, following continuing economic and social unrest, Thurston approached the British government, at Cakobau's request, with an offer to cede the islands.

The question was complicated by maneuverings for power between Cakobau and his old rival, Maʻafu, with both men vacillating for many months.

On 23 September, Sir Hercules Robinson, soon to be appointed the British Governor, arrived on HMS Dido and received Cakobau with a royal 21-gun salute.