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.

Visit the Royal Collection

Portraiture

Prince Albert was an early adopter of portrait photography

JOHN JABEZ EDWIN MAYALL (1813-1901)

'Alexandra, Princess of Wales'; Princess Alexandra, later Queen Alexandra (1844-1925)

10 - 10 Mar 1863

Albumen print handcoloured in watercolour | 8.6 x 5.8 cm (image) | RCIN 2914308

Hand-coloured photograph of a full length portrait of Princess Alexandra, later Queen Alexandra (1844-1925) standing, facing right. She gazes forward, her face captured in profile. She wears her wedding dress garlanded with orange blossom and myrtle and trimmed with Honiton lace and a floral hairpiece with lace veil attached. Photograph taken on her wedding day.

  • Creator(s)

    John Jabez Edwin Mayall (1813-1901) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Queen Alexandra of the United Kingdom (1844-1925)

  • 8.6 x 5.8 cm (image)

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria

  • Subject(s)
    • Social sciences
      • Ethnology
        • Social customs
          • Marriage
            • Wedding Ceremonial Costume
              • Wedding dresses
            • Royal Weddings
            • Brides
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
PreviousNext
PreviousNext
Policy links
Royal Collection TrustIn Partnership with

Royal Collection Trust is a charity caring for the Royal Collection and welcoming visitors to the royal palaces. We bring our shared history to life through world-class experiences that involve and inspire people, wherever they are. Income from tickets and retail sales helps us to conserve the Collection so that it can be enjoyed by everyone for generations to come.