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 (1819-79)

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

c.1880 after an original of Jun 1858

Carbon print | 7.2 x 5.6 cm (image) | RCIN 2900136

Photograph of a head and shoulder length portrait of Princess Beatrice (1857-1944), facing towards the camera. Mary Ann Thurston (1810-96) leans over Princess Beatrice and supports her weight. She gazes down at the princess. Photograph cropped into an oval.

  • Creator(s)

    William Bambridge (1819-79) (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]

  • 7.2 x 5.6 cm (image)

    30.8 x 24.4 cm (whole object)

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
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