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

ROGER FENTON (1819-69)

Prince Alfred

c.1880 after an original of8 Feb 1854

Carbon print | 20.0 x 12.8 cm (image) | RCIN 2900021

Photograph of a full length portrait of Prince Alfred, later Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (1844-1900) standing, facing slightly towards the right. He turns his head towards the camera. He is depicted playing a violin. He wears checked trousers, a light coloured shirt, a waistcoat and jacket.

  • Creator(s)

    Roger Fenton (1819-69) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh and Saxe-Coburg & Gotha (1844-1900)

  • annotation: Prince Alfred/ 8th Feb. 1854./ By Mr Fenton [beneath work]

  • 20.0 x 12.8 cm (image)

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • People
      • Musicians
        • Violinists
        • Amateur musicians
    • Arts, Recreation, Entertainment & Sport
      • Music
        • Musical instruments
          • Violins
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
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