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 BAMBRIDGE

'Princess Helena at her confirmation'

17 - 17 Apr 1861

Albumen print hand-coloured with watercolour | 13.9 x 10 cm (image) | RCIN 2914302

Hand-coloured photograph of a full length portrait of Princess Helena (1846-1923) standing, facing three-quarters to the right. She poses holding a book with both hands in front of her body. She wears her confirmation dress, consisting of a long sleeve, full length white dress, and stands in front of the altar at Whippingham Church, Isle of Wight.

  • Creator(s)

    William Bambridge (photographer)

    Edward Henry Corbould (1815-1905) (colourist)

    Subject(s)

    Princess Helena (1846-1923)

  • 13.9 x 10 cm (image)

  • Commissioned by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • Places
      • Europe
        • Great Britain
          • England
            • Isle of Wight [England]
              • Whippingham [Isle of Wight]
                • St Mildred's Church [Whippingham]
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
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