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

AFTER ROGER FENTON (1819-69)

Princess Helena as 'The Spirit Empress'

10 Feb 1854

Carbon print | 10.3 x 9.7 cm (image) | RCIN 2900036

Photograph of a full length portrait of Princess Helena (1846-1923) standing, facing towards the camera. She wears a long, light coloured gown with long sleeves and high necklace. She wears a crown and veil and holds a cross. Princess Helena is dressed as 'The Spirit Empress' in the concluding Tableau of the Seasons, performed at Windsor Castle.

  • Creator(s)

    After Roger Fenton (1819-69) (photographer)

    William Bambridge (1819-79) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Princess Helena (1846-1923)

  • annotation: Princess Helena/ as The Spirit Empress in the concluding/ Tableau of the Seasons./ Windsor Castle. 10. Feb: 1854./ Reduced by Mr Bambridge from Mr Fenton. [beneath work]

  • 10.3 x 9.7 cm (image)

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
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