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.

Visit the Royal Collection

Portraiture

Prince Albert was an early adopter of portrait photography

FRANCES SALLY DAY (1815-92)

Princess Helena (1846-1923) and Princess Louise, later Duchess of Argyll (1848-1939)

Jul 1859

Albumen print | 8.2 x 6.3 cm (image) | RCIN 2900214

Photograph of a full length double portrait of Princess Helena (1846-1923) and Princess Louise, later Duchess of Argyll (1848-1939). The princesses stand together. Princess Helena faces towards the camera and Princess Louise faces left, her face captured in profile. Princess Helena holds a book in her right hand. The princesses wear similar clothing consisting of a locket, light coloured shirt, tied at the waist with dark coloured material, and a dark coloured skirt.

Photograph taken at Osborne.

  • Creator(s)

    Frances Sally Day (1815-92) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Princess Helena (1846-1923)
    Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll (1848-1939)

  • annotation: [above work] Princefs Helena and Princefs Louise,/ Osborne, July, 1859./ [below] Miss Day. [above and beneath work]

  • 8.2 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
PreviousNext
PreviousNext
Policy links
Royal Collection TrustIn Partnership with

Royal Collection Trust is a charity caring for the Royal Collection and welcoming visitors to the royal palaces. We bring our shared history to life through world-class experiences that involve and inspire people, wherever they are. Income from tickets and retail sales helps us to conserve the Collection so that it can be enjoyed by everyone for generations to come.