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

JOHN JABEZ EDWIN MAYALL (1813-1901)

'Princess Alice, Princess Louis of Hesse'; Princess Alice, later Grand Duchess of Hesse (1843-78)

10 - 10 Mar 1863

Albumen print handcoloured with watercolour | 8.6 x 5.8 cm (image) | RCIN 2914311

Hand-coloured photograph of a full length portrait of Princess Alice, later Grand Duchess of Hesse (1843-78) standing, facing three-quarters to the right.  She wears a white and purple dress, sash, crown with veil attached and an ermine trim cloak. Photograph taken at the wedding of the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII (1841-1910) and Princess Alexandra, later Queen Alexandra (1844-1925).

  • Creator(s)

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

    Subject(s)

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

  • 8.6 x 5.8 cm (image)

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria

  • Subject(s)
    • Social sciences
      • Ethnology
        • Social customs
          • Marriage
            • Royal Weddings
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
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