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

UNKNOWN PERSON

Harriet Lepel Phipps (1841-1922)

1859

Albumen print | 7.7 x 5.5 cm (image) | RCIN 2910680

Photograph of a full length portrait of Harriet Lepel Phipps (1841-1922) seated at a table, facing three-quarters to the left. She gazes down at a book she holds open on the table.

Phipps was Maid of Honour from 1862 to 1889 and Woman of the Bedchamber from 1889.
  • Creator(s)

    Unknown Person (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Harriet Lepel Phipps (1841-1922)
  • annotation: Mifa Harriet Phipps/ 1859. [beneath work]

  • 7.7 x 5.5 cm (image)

    9.6 x 6.3 cm (mount)

    23.1 x 18.0 cm (page dimensions)

  • Acquired by Prince Albert

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