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

LEONIDA CALDESI (1823-91)

Princess Helena (1846-1923)

Apr 1859

Albumen print | 18.1 x 14.4 cm (image) | RCIN 2900178

Photograph of a half length portrait of Princess Helena (1846-1923) seated, facing halfway to the left. She gazes ahead, away from the camera. She wears a long-sleeved check patterned dress with black velvet detailing, a lace collar and a locket. 

Princess Helena was the third daughter and fifth child of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. In 1866, she married Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein. This photograph is the companion of a similar portrait taken of her younger sister, Princess Louise.

  • Creator(s)

    Leonida Caldesi (1823-91) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Princess Helena (1846-1923)

  • 18.1 x 14.4 cm (image)

    30.8 x 24.4 cm (whole object)

  • Princess Helena, 1859 [in Portraits of Royal Children Vol.3 1858-1859]

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
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