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

FRANCES SALLY DAY (C. 1816-92)

Princess Helena (1846-1923)

Jul 1859

Albumen print | 8.1 x 6.3 cm (image) | RCIN 2900208

Photograph of a full length portrait of Princess Helena (1846-1923) seated at a table, facing towards the camera. She turns her head three-quarters to the right and gazes ahead, away from the camera. She places her right hand on the table and her left hand on her lap. She wears a locket, light coloured shirt tied at the waist with dark coloured fabric and a dark coloured skirt. Photograph taken at Osborne.

  • Creator(s)

    Frances Sally Day (c. 1816-92) (photographer)

  • [above] Princefs Helena,/ Osborne, July, 1859./ [beneath] Miss Day.

  • 8.1 x 6.3 cm (image)

    31.0 x 24.7 cm (page dimensions)

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

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