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

UNKNOWN PERSON

Prince George, 2nd Duke of Cambridge (1819-1904)

1859

Albumen print | 8.3 x 6.1 cm (image) | RCIN 2907739

Photograph of Prince George, Duke of Cambridge, seated at a small table facing three-quarters to the right. He holds a book open in his right hand. His left hand rests on his left leg.
  • Creator(s)

    Unknown Person (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Prince George, 2nd Duke of Cambridge (1819-1904)
  • annotation: The Duke of Cambridge. 1859. [beneath work]

  • 8.3 x 6.1 cm (image)

    9.6 x 6.5 cm (mount)

    23.1 x 18.2 cm (page dimensions)

    24.3 x 19.8 x 5.5 cm (album)

  • The Duke of Cambridge, 1859. [Album: Photographs. Royal Portraits, vol.47]

  • Acquired by Prince Albert, the Prince Consort

  • Subject(s)
    • Organisation
      • Documentation
        • Books
    • Physical and Mental Activities
      • Reading (activity)
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
          • cartes-de-visite