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 Christian of Schleswig-Holstein (1846-1923), when Princess Helena

Mar 1861

Albumen print | 8.7 x 5.7 cm (image) | RCIN 2907940

Photograph of Princess Helena, standing, facing three-quarters to the right. She turns her head towards the front and gazes to the left. She rests her left hand on a plinth. She wears a shawl draped over her right arm. 

  • Creator(s)

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

    Subject(s)

    Princess Helena (1846-1923)
    Princess Helena (1846-1923)

  • annotation: Princess Helena./ 1861. [beneath work]

  • 8.7 x 5.7 cm (image)

    9.6 x 6.3 cm (mount)

    23.0 x 18.2 cm (page dimensions)

    24.2 x 20.0 x 5.5 cm (album)

  • Princess Helena. 1861. [Album: Photographs. Royal Portraits, vol.48]

  • Acquired by Prince Albert, the Prince Consort

  • Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
          • cartes-de-visite
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