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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Portraiture

Prince Albert was an early adopter of portrait photography

WILLIAM HENRY SOUTHWELL (1823-70)

Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII (1841-1910)

Mar 1860

Albumen print | 8.9 x 6.3 cm (image) | RCIN 2900272

Photograph of a full length portrait of Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII (1841-1910), standing, facing towards the camera. He gazes to the left, away from the camera. He leans against a plinth on the left, and poses with his right leg crossed over his left. He hold a top hat in his left hand. 

  • Creator(s)

    William Henry Southwell (1823-70) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    King Edward VII, King of the United Kingdom (1841-1910)

  • annotation: The Prince of Wales./ March, 1860./ Southwell. [beneath work]

  • 8.9 x 6.3 cm (image)

    31.0 x 24.7 cm (page dimensions)

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert 

  • Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
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