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

    DR ERNST BECKER (1826-88)

    Prince Arthur and Prince Alfred in the costume of Sikh Princes

    Sep 1854

    Hand coloured salted paper print | 12 x 15 cm (image) | RCIN 2943815

    Hand-coloured photograph of a full length double portrait of Prince Arthur, later Duke of Connaught (1850-1942) and Prince Alfred, later Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (1844-1900) wearing the costume of Sikh Princes. The two young princes are seated on a banquette. They are hugging and look towards each other. There is a decorative carpet on right hand side of the banquette ending underneath the feet of the princes.

    It is possible that the costumes were a gift from Maharaja Duleep Singh (1838-93), who visited Osborne in August 1854.

    • Creator(s)

      Dr Ernst Becker (1826-88) (photographer)

      Subject(s)

      Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh and Saxe-Coburg & Gotha (1844-1900)
      Prince Arthur, 1st Duke of Connaught (1850-1942)

    • 12 x 15 cm (image)

    • From an album presented to Queen Victoria by Prince Albert, 24th May 1854

    • Subject(s)
      • Religion & Theology
        • Religions and faiths
          • Sikhs
      Object type(s)
        • visual works
          • photographs
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