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

John Robert Townshend, Viscount Sydney (1805-90)

1860

Albumen print | 8.6 x 5.8 cm (image) | RCIN 2910675

Photograph of a full length portrait of John Robert Townshend, Viscount Sydney (1805-90) standing, facing three-quarters to the left. He holds a cane in his right hand and a top hat in his left.  
Viscount Sydney was Lord-in-Waiting from 1841 to 1846, Captain of the Yeomen of the Guard from 1852 to 1858, Lord Chamberlain from 1859 to 1866 and 1868 to 1874, and Lord Steward.

  • Creator(s)

    Unknown Person (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Royal Household-Yeomen of the Guard (established 1485)
    John Robert Townshend, Viscount Sydney (1805-90)

  • annotation: Viscount Sydney. [beneath work]

  • 8.6 x 5.8 cm (image)

    9.6 x 6.0 cm (mount)

    23.1 x 18.0 cm (page dimensions)

  • Acquired by Prince Albert

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