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 HENRY SOUTHWELL (1823-70)

Princess Helena (1846-1923)

Mar 1860

Albumen print | 8.7 x 6.3 cm (image) | RCIN 2900262

Photograph of a full length portrait of Princess Helena (1846-1923) standing, facing left. She turns her head towards the camera. She poses beside a chair, resting both hands on the back of the seat.She wears a patterned dress. There is drapery in the background. 

  • Creator(s)

    William Henry Southwell (1823-70) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Princess Helena (1846-1923)

  • annotation: [above] Princefs Helena./ March, 1860./ [beneath] Southwell.  [above and beneath work]

  • 8.7 x 6.3 cm (image)

    31.0 x 24.7 cm (page dimensions)

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
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