Kamehameha II and Queen Kamamalu died of measles during their 1824 state visit to Britain. They attended public entertainments and received treatment as important dignitaries, but contact with people suffering from measles was not prevented. Overseas travel posed serious dangers for Hawaiian emissaries. Diplomatic representation nevertheless required them to leave Hawaii and establish relationships abroad. The deaths are the historical event from which the imagined request for British protection develops.
Notable Point · 3:39-4:33
Disease risks accompany Hawaiian royal diplomacy
The royal couple's fatal visit to Britain illustrates the disease risks Hawaiian emissaries faced while establishing diplomatic relationships abroad.