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

WILLIAM LAKE PRICE (1810-96)

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

c.1880 after an original of Aug 1858

carbon print | 19.5 x 14.6 cm (image) | RCIN 2900142

Photograph of a half length portrait of Prince Alfred, later Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (1844-1900) standing, facing three-quarters to the left. He turns his head towards the right and gazes ahead, away from the camera. He holds a telescope in his right hand and wears a naval uniform.

In August 1858, Prince Alfred pass his naval entrance exams with high marks. A variant (RCIN 2906255) of this portrait can be found in Prince Albert's photograph album.

  • Creator(s)

    William Lake Price (1810-96) (photographer)

  • Prince Alfred./ Aug. 1858./ Lake Price.

  • 19.5 x 14.6 cm (image)

    30.8 x 24.4 cm (whole object)

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • Science, Medicine and Technology
      • Industries, Crafts and Trades
        • Precision mechanisms & instruments
          • Telescopes
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