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

THOMAS PEARCE (ACTIVE C. 1850S)

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

Oct 1858

Albumen print | 12.8 x 10.0 cm (image) | RCIN 2900146

Photograph of a full length portrait of Prince Alfred, later Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (1844-1900) standing, facing towards the camera. He gazes towards the left. He wears Highland dress and holds a double-barrelled gun under his left arm. Photograph cropped into an oval.

  • Creator(s)

    Thomas Pearce (active c. 1850s) (photographer)

  • Prince Alfred./ Oct. 1858./ Pearce.

  • 12.8 x 10.0 cm (image)

    30.8 x 24.4 cm (whole object)

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • Social sciences
      • Ethnology
        • Costume & National dress
          • Costume-Great Britain
            • Costume-Scotland
              • Scottish Highland Dress
    • Science, Medicine and Technology
      • Engineering & Technology
        • Military engineering
          • Arms (weapons)
            • Firearms
              • Guns
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