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.

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Portraiture

Prince Albert was an early adopter of portrait photography

WILLIAM BAMBRIDGE (1820-79)

'Princess Alice at her confirmation'; Princess Alice, later Grand Duchess of Hesse (1843-78) at her confirmation

21 Apr 1859

Albumen print hand-coloured with watercolour | 12.6 x 9.2 cm (image) | RCIN 2914290

Hand-coloured photograph of Princess Alice, later Grand Duchess of Hesse (1843-78) kneeling at an altar, her back facing the camera. She wears a long sleeve white gown. The photograph was taken at Princess Alice's confirmation at Buckingham Palace.

  • Creator(s)

    William Bambridge (1820-79) (photographer)

    Princess Alice, Grand Duchess of Hesse & by Rhine, consort of Ludwig IV, Grand Duke of Hesse & by Rhine (1843-78) (colourist)

  • 12.6 x 9.2 cm (image)

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria

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