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.

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Photographs 1842-61

Albums compiled by Prince Albert, reflecting his beliefs surrounding photography

UNKNOWN PERSON

'William Ross; Piper to The Queen'; William Ross (1823-91)

c.1880 after an 1856 original

Carbon print of an original albumen photograph | 7.0 x 5.6 cm (image) | RCIN 2800763

Photograph of a full length portrait of William Ross (1823-91), piper to Queen Victoria (1819-1901). He poses facing towards the camera, with his right leg raised and positioned on what appears to be a stone boulder. He wears full highland dress. The photograph appears to have been taken in a studio, featuring a painted backdrop and a prop of a tree, located on the far right of the photograph.

  • Creator(s)

    Unknown Person (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    William Ross (1822-91)

  • 7.0 x 5.6 cm (image)

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

  • Subject(s)
    • People
      • Musicians
        • Bagpipers
    • Social sciences
      • Ethnology
        • Costume & National dress
          • Costume-Great Britain
            • Costume-Scotland
              • Scottish Highland Dress
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
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