"We hold ourselves bound to the natives of our Indian territories by the same obligations of duty which bind us to all our other subjects, and those obligations, by the blessings of Almighty God, we shall faithfully and conscientiously fulfil... When, by the blessing of Providence, internal tranquillity shall be restored, it is our earnest desire to stimulate the peaceful industry of India, to promote works of public utility and improvement, and to administer its government for the benefit of all our subjects resident therein."

Queen Victoria, Royal Proclamation to the Princes, Chiefs, and People of India, 1 November 1858. Issued following the India Act of 1858, which transferred governance of India from the East India Company to the Crown.