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

GREY (ACTIVE 1856)

'Prince Frederic William Victor Albert of Prussia'; Prince Wilhelm, later Emperor Wilhelm II of Germany (1859-1941)

Mar 1859

Albumen print hand-coloured with watercolour | 7.9 x 10 cm (image) | RCIN 2914283

Hand-coloured photograph of Prince Wilhelm, later Emperor Wilhelm II (1859-1941) sleeping in a cot, wrapped in a red shawl. He is surrounded by flowers.
  • Creator(s)

    Grey (active 1856) (colourist)

    Subject(s)

    Wilhelm II, Emperor of Germany & King of Prussia (1859-1941)
  • 7.9 x 10 cm (image)

  • Likely given to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs