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

GEORG EMIL HANSEN (1833-91)

Prince Christian of Denmark with his children, Princess Dagmar, Prince William and Princess Alexandra of Denmark

1859-61

Albumen print | 8.6 x 6.2 cm (image) | RCIN 2907862

Photograph of of Christian IX, King of Denmark (1818-1906), when Prince Christian of Denmark, seated with three of his children, Empress Maria Feodorovna (1847-1928), when Princess Dagmar of Denmark; George I, King of the Hellenes (1845-1913), when Prince William of Denmark; and Queen Alexandra, Consort of King Edward VII (1844-1925), when Princess Alexandra of Denmark. A dog lies asleep at Prince Christian's feet.
  • Creator(s)

    Georg Emil Hansen (1833-91) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Christian IX, King of Denmark (1818-1906)
    George I, King of the Hellenes (1845-1913)
    Queen Alexandra of the United Kingdom (1844-1925)
    Empress Maria Feodorovna of Russia (1847-1928)
  • annotation: Pce Christian Alexandra Wilhelm/ Dagmar. 1861. [beneath work]

  • 8.6 x 6.2 cm (image)

    9.6 x 6.7 cm (mount)

    23.0 x 18.2 cm (page dimensions)

    24.2 x 20.0 x 5.5 cm (album)

  • Prince Christian; Alexandra; Wilhelm; Dagmar, 1861. [Album: Photographs. Royal Portraits, vol.48]

  • Acquired by Prince Albert, the Prince Consort

  • Subject(s)
    • Science, Medicine and Technology
      • Agriculture and related techniques
        • Animal husbandry
          • Dogs
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
          • cartes-de-visite