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

UNKNOWN PERSON

Group portrait

1861

Albumen print | 11.5 x 13.0 cm (image) | RCIN 2906895

Photograph of a group portrait, featuring, from left to right: Colonel Arthur Hardinge, Countess Hedwig Brühl and Lecamus, Count Fürstenstein, Elizabeth, Countess of Desart and the Honourable Beatrice Byng. The group appear to be studying a piece of paper.

  • Creator(s)

    Unknown Person (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Countess Hedwig Brühl and Lecamus(fl.1864)
    Count Fürstenstein
    Sir Arthur Edward Hardinge (1828-92)
    Elizabeth Lucy Desart (1822-98)
    Beatrice Eliza Christiana Catherine Blundell-Hollinshead-Blundell (1825-84)

  • 11.5 x 13.0 cm (image)

    28.4 x 23.0 cm (page dimensions)

    29.5 x 25.0 x 5.0 cm (album)

  • Group, Ryde, 1861 [Photographic Portraits Vol.3/61 1856-1863]

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
        • albums
          • photograph albums
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