Willem Jerve Koetjie (1850-67), Princess Louis of Hesse's Servant

Photograph of a young boy in a full length portrait, facing the viewer, standing next to a window. His right foot is raised to rest on the window ledge. He is dressed in baggy trousers with spats and a tunic with a waist band. On the right, vines cover the wall.

The portrait shows Willem Jerve Koetjie (1850-67) who was employed as a servant to Princess Louis of Hesse who was the second daughter of Queen Victoria. Born to an African father and Japanese mother, Willem Jerve Koetjie started work in the household of Princess Alice in July 1863 and was often referred to as 'Little Willem' by Queen Victoria. He died of consumption in 1867.  This photograph may have been taken when the court was staying in Balmoral Castle and is set against the same backdrop as a photograph that Wilson took of Queen Victoria in 1863.