It is dedicated to Napoléon, Prince Imperial of France who made his last stand on the site in 1879 and was built on the spot where he died.

[3] The Zulus did not desecrate the body as was their custom out of fear after seeing a necklace with the Virgin Mary on that the Prince wore which they believed was a magical talisman.

[4] The death of the Prince Imperial caused international outrage as Queen Victoria only authorised him to go providing the army kept him out of danger.

[5][6] The cross was enscribed "'This cross is erected by Queen Victoria, in affectionate remembrance of Napoleon Eugene Louis Jean Joseph Prince Imperial, to mark the spot where, while assisting in a reconnaissance with the British troops, on the 1st June 1879, he was attacked by a party of Zulus, and fell with his face to the foe.

[8] On the centenary of the Prince Imperial's death in 1979, the French Ambassador to South Africa visited the memorial and a commemorative plaque was installed at the site.