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.

Portraiture

Prince Albert was an early adopter of portrait photography

ROGER FENTON (1819-69)

Albert Edward, Prince of Wales as "Winter"

c.1880 after an original of 8 Feb 1854

Carbon print | 19.8 x 15.0 cm (image) | RCIN 2900031

Photograph of a full length portrait of Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII (1841-1910) standing, facing towards the camera. He rests his right arm on a high table, draped with material. He wears a long white beard and wig, a hat and a cape. The hat and cape are covered in fake snow. The Prince is dressed as the embodiment of 'Winter' for the Tableaux of the Seasons, performed at Windsor Castle.
  • Creator(s)

    Roger Fenton (1819-69) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    King Edward VII, King of the United Kingdom (1841-1910)
    Family of Queen Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom
  • annotation: The Prince of Wales as Winter./ Windsor. 8th Feb: 1854./ By Mr. Fenton. [beneath work]

  • 19.8 x 15.0 cm (image)

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs