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 Henry of Hesse (1838-1900)

c.1860

Albumen print | 8.5 x 5.2 cm (image) | RCIN 2907700

Photograph of a full length portrait of Heinrich, Prince of Hesse (1838-1900), standing facing towards the camera. He poses with his left hand behind his back. He wears a military uniform and Order Star on his left breast. There is a Prussian helmet on the chair to his right.
  • Creator(s)

    Unknown Person (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Heinrich, Prince of Hesse (1838-1900)
  • annotation: Prince Henry of Hesse/ 2nd son of Prince Charles.- [beneath work]

  • 8.5 x 5.2 cm (image)

    10.1 x 6.4 cm (mount)

    23.1 x 18.2 cm (page dimensions)

    24.3 x 19.8 x 5.5 cm (album)

  • Prince Henry of Hesse, 2nd son of Prince Charles. [Album: Photographs. Royal Portraits, vol.47]

  • Acquired by Prince Albert, the Prince Consort

  • Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
          • cartes-de-visite