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.

Visit the Royal Collection

Portraiture

Prince Albert was an early adopter of portrait photography

JOHN JABEZ EDWIN MAYALL (1813-1901)

'Prince William of Prussia'; Prince Wilhelm, later Wilhelm II (1859-1941)

10 - 10 Mar 1863

Albumen print handcoloured in watercolour | 8.6 x 5.6 cm (image) | RCIN 2914310

Hand-coloured photograph of a full length portrait of Prince Wilhelm, later Wilhelm II (1859-1941) standing, facing the camera front on. He wears Highland dress complete with sporran and feathered cap.

  • Creator(s)

    John Jabez Edwin Mayall (1813-1901) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Wilhelm II, Emperor of Germany & King of Prussia (1859-1941)

  • 8.6 x 5.6 cm (image)

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria

  • Subject(s)
    • Social sciences
      • Ethnology
        • Costume & National dress
          • Costume-Great Britain
            • Costume-Scotland
              • Scottish Highland Dress
        • Social customs
          • Marriage
            • Royal Weddings
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
PreviousNext
PreviousNext
Policy links
Royal Collection TrustIn Partnership with

Royal Collection Trust is a charity caring for the Royal Collection and welcoming visitors to the royal palaces. We bring our shared history to life through world-class experiences that involve and inspire people, wherever they are. Income from tickets and retail sales helps us to conserve the Collection so that it can be enjoyed by everyone for generations to come.