'Der Herzog'; Ernest II, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (1818-93)

Photograph of a full length portrait of Ernest II Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha leaning against the urn of a balustrade. Ernest II wears a hat, spotted bow tie, shirt, jacket, trousers and one leather glove. The Duke was the elder brother of Prince Albert, consort of Queen Victoria.

This is one of a series of photographs that were commissioned by Queen Victoria to be presented to her husband on his birthday in August 1857. Bedford, accompanied by his wife, travelled to Coburg in June and early July to photograph the places associated with the Prince's childhood.