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

LEONIDA CALDESI (1823-91)

Princess Beatrice (1857-1944) and Mary Ann Thurston (1810-96)

c.1880 after an original of May 1858

Carbon print | 11.4 x 9.4 cm (image) | RCIN 2900134

Photograph of Princess Beatrice (1857-1944) photographed from behind, seated on a table covered with drapery. The nanny Mary Ann Thurston (1810-96) kneels beside the Princess, looking towards her. There is a man in the background, smiling at the Princess. He may be the photographer. There are drapery and curtains on both sides of the photograph.

  • Creator(s)

    Leonida Caldesi (1823-91) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Beatrice, Princess Henry of Battenberg (1857-1944)
    Mary Ann Thurston (1810-96)

  • annotation: Princefs Beatrice/ and/ Mrs Thurston/ May 1858./ Caldesi [beneath work]

  • 11.4 x 9.4 cm (image)

    30.8 x 24.4 cm (whole object)

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • People
      • Men
    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.