This website presents our knowledge and research on this important aspect of the Royal Collection. As of April 2026 it will not be regularly updated and new research on this topic will sit within the main website.

Photographs 1842-61

Albums compiled by Prince Albert, reflecting his beliefs surrounding photography

AFTER DR ERNST BECKER (1826-88)

'Prince Alfred and MacDonald'; Prince Alfred, later Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (1844-1900) and John MacDonald (d.1860)

1892 copy after an original of 30 Sep 1853

Carbon print | 11.0 x 14.7 cm (image) | RCIN 2905956

Photograph of a full length double portrait of the Jager John MacDonald (d.1860) and Prince Alfred, later Duke of Saxe Coburg and Gotha (1844-1900), the latter seated in left side profile on a Shetland pony. Prince Alfred turns his head to face the camera. He wears highland dress, including a kilt. MacDonald holds the pony's reigns. Taken in moorland on the Balmoral estate.

The 1892 carbon copy print is adhered over the top of the original albumen print.
  • Creator(s)

    After Dr Ernst Becker (1826-88) (photographer)

    Gustav William Henry Mullins (1854-1921) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    John H MacDonald (d. 1860)
    Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh and Saxe-Coburg & Gotha (1844-1900)
    John MacDonald (d. 1860)
  • 11.0 x 14.7 cm (image)

  • From an album of photographs collected and arranged by Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • Science, Medicine and Technology
      • Agriculture and related techniques
        • Animal husbandry
          • Horses
            • Ponies
              • Shetland ponies
    • Places
      • Europe
        • Great Britain
          • Scotland
            • Aberdeenshire [Scotland]
              • Balmoral Estate [Aberdeenshire]
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs