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

FRANCES SALLY DAY (1815-92)

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

Jul 1859

Albumen print | 8.1 x 6.0 cm (image) | RCIN 2900205

Photograph of a full length portrait of Prince Alfred, later Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (1844-1900) seated at a table, facing right, his face captured in profile. He leans his left arm on the table, resting his head against his left hand. He holds a cap in his right hand. He gazes down at a book positioned on the table. The prince wears a naval uniform. Photograph taken at Osborne.

  • Creator(s)

    Frances Sally Day (1815-92) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

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

  • annotation: Prince Alfred,/ Osborne, July, 1859./ Miss Day [beneath work]

  • 8.1 x 6.0 cm (image)

    31.0 x 24.7 cm (page dimensions)

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • Physical and Mental Activities
      • Reading (activity)
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
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