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.

Portraiture

Prince Albert was an early adopter of portrait photography

WILLIAM BAMBRIDGE (1819-79)

Prince Alfred, later Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (1844-1900) and Lieutenant John Cowell (1832-94)

Aug 1856

Salted paper print | 19.5 x 15.5 cm (image) | RCIN 2900079

Photograph of a full length double portrait of Prince Alfred, later Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (1844-1900), and Lieutenant Cowell (1832-94) standing, facing towards each other. Cowell, on the left, wears a top hat  and holds a cane in his left hand. The young prince, on the left, holds a cane in both hands. Photograph taken outside. There is a built structure covered in vegetation in the background.
  • Creator(s)

    William Bambridge (1819-79) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh and Saxe-Coburg & Gotha (1844-1900)
    Sir John Clayton Cowell (1832-94)
  • annotation: Prince Alfred & Lieutenant Cowell. R.E./ Aug: 1856./ By Mr Bambridge. [beneath work]

  • 19.5 x 15.5 cm (image)

    31.0 x 24.7 cm (whole object)

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs