French ironclad la Couronne in haste fitted out for active service according to the Dutch newspaper Bataviaasch handelsblad dated 23 May 1868

An item reported that the French armoured frigate la Couronne was in all haste fitted out to depart for the roads on 15th or 20th April and from there to join the Mediterranean Squadron just like the armoured frigate Provence. The frigate Panama was – according to rumours - fitted out to transport for the coaches, horses and part of the followers of the empress for the journey of her and her son towards Rome, Italy. The imperial steam yacht La Reine Hortense departed on 15 April from Cherbourg, France towards Toulon, France. The imperial yacht Jerome Napoleon arrived at Marseille, France coming from Le Havre, France to transport prince Napoleon and his spouse towards Italy.