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

WILLIAM HENRY SOUTHWELL (1823-70)

Princess Alice, later Grand Duchess of Hesse and by Rhine (1843-78)

Mar 1860

Albumen print | 8.8 x 6.4 cm (image) | RCIN 2900260

Photograph of a full length portrait of Princess Alice, later Grand Duchess of Hesse and by Rhine (1843-78), seated, facing slightly to the left. She turns her head and looks towards the camera. She wears a bonnet, fur cape and checked dress with fur detailing. There is drapery in the background.

  • Creator(s)

    William Henry Southwell (1823-70) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Princess Alice, Grand Duchess of Hesse & by Rhine (1843-78)

  • annotation: [above] Princefs Alice,/ March 1860/ [beneath] Southwell. [above and beneath work]

  • 8.8 x 6.4 cm (image)

    31.0 x 24.7 cm (page dimensions)

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • 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.