Queen Victoria and Prince Albert with their four eldest children and Prince Friedrich Wilhelm of Prussia, Balmoral, 1855

Group photograph taken outdoors at Balmoral of Queen Victoria (1819-1901) who is seated; Prince Albert, Prince Consort (1819-1861), holding a hat and stick in his left hand; Prince Alfred (1844-1900); Prince Frederick William of Prussia (1831-1888); Princess Alice (1843-1878); Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (1841-1910), later King Edward VII; and Victoria, Princess Royal (1840-1901).

This photograph was taken on the same day that Prince Frederick William of Prussia proposed to Queen Victoria's eldest daughter, Princess Victoria in the grounds of Balmoral. It was intended as a private family portrait but has become synonymous with the royal couple's engagement. Queen Victoria records in her journal for the 29th September 1855, 'shortly before 12 we took an hour's walk with Fritz [Frederick William of Prussia 1833-88], part of the time however was taken up, with our being photographed with Fritz and the four elder children.- Whilst we were walking he told me he hoped to come here again, next year, which we said we should be delighted he should do.' RA Vic/MAIN/QVJ (W) 29th September 1855