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 Helena (1846-1923)

c.1880 after an original of May 1860

Carbon print | 7.7 x 4.9 cm (image) | RCIN 2900304

Photograph of a full length portrait of Princess Helena (1846-1923) standing, facing slightly to the right. She turns her head three-quarters to the left and looks ahead, away from the camera. She holds her right hand in front of her waist and her left hand hangs by her side. She wears a dark coloured dress decoreated with bows.

  • Creator(s)

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

  • [above] Princess Helena,/ May. 1860./ [beneath] Mayall.

  • 7.7 x 4.9 cm (image)

    31.0 x 24.7 cm (page dimensions)

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert 

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