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

DR ERNST BECKER (1826-88)

Queen Victoria's children in the tragedy Athalie, 10th February 1852

c.1892 copy after an c.1852 original

Carbon print | 5.2 x 6.5 cm (image) | RCIN 2905919

Photograph of a painting by Queen Victoria (RCIN 403670) featuring Queen Victoria's children acting in the tragedy Athalie. From left to right are: Albert Edward Prince of Wales (1841-1910), later King Edward VII; Princess Helena (1846-1923), later Princess of Schleswig Holstein; Princess Victoria (1840-1901), later Empress Friedrich; Prince Alfred (1844-1900), later Duke of Saxe Coburg and Gotha; Princess Alice (1843-78), later Duchess of Hesse and Princess Louise (1848-1939), later Duchess of Argyll. All wear theatrical costumes.
  • Creator(s)

    Dr Ernst Becker (1826-88) (photographer)

    After Queen Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom (1819-1901) (artist)

    Subject(s)

    King Edward VII, King of the United Kingdom (1841-1910)
    Princess Helena (1846-1923)
    Empress Friedrich, German Empress and Queen of Prussia (1840-1901)
    Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh and Saxe-Coburg & Gotha (1844-1900)
    Princess Alice, Grand Duchess of Hesse & by Rhine (1843-78)
    Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll (1848-1939)
  • 5.2 x 6.5 cm (image)

  • Collected and arranged by Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • Science, Medicine and Technology
      • Industries, Crafts and Trades
        • Toys and Decorations
          • Theatrical costumes
    • Language, Linguistics and Literature
      • Literature
        • Drama
          • Tragedies
    • Arts, Recreation, Entertainment & Sport
      • Theatre
        • Acting
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs