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

THOMAS RICHARD WILLIAMS (1825-71)

Princess Alice, alter Grand Duchess of Hesse and by Rhine (1843-78) at her confirmation

c.1880 after an original of 21 Apr 1859

Carbon print | 10.8 x 9.2 cm (image) | RCIN 2900174

Photograph of Princess Alice, later Grand Duchess of Hesse and by Rhine (1843-78), kneeling, facing away from the camera. The left side of her face is just visible. She is kneeling at a makeshift altar and holds a prayer book. She wears a light coloured dress trimmed with lace, pearls and earrings. 

Photograph taken at Princess Alice's confirmation at Windsor Castle.

  • Creator(s)

    Thomas Richard Williams (1825-71) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Princess Alice, Grand Duchess of Hesse & by Rhine (1843-78)
  • annotation: Princefs Alice,/ at her Confirmation,/ Windsor Castle/ April 21st 1859./ Williams [beneath work]

  • 10.8 x 9.2 cm (image)

    30.8 x 24.4 cm (whole object)

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • Religion & Theology
      • Religions and faiths
        • Christianity
          • Christian church in general
            • Sacraments
              • Confirmation (sacrament)
    • Places
      • Europe
        • Great Britain
          • England
            • Berkshire [England]
              • Windsor [Berkshire]
                • Windsor Castle
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs