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

c.1863

Albumen print hand-coloured with watercolour | 8.6 x 5.6 cm (image) | RCIN 2914318

Hand-coloured photograph of a full length portrait of Prince Wilhelm, later Wilhelm II (1859-1941) standing, facing a quarter to the right. He turns his head to look at the camera. He poses beside an upholstered chair and wears a country tunic and red trousers.
  • Creator(s)

    Unknown Person (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Wilhelm II, Emperor of Germany & King of Prussia (1859-1941)
  • 8.6 x 5.6 cm (image)

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria

  • Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs