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 THOMAS RICHARD WILLIAMS (1825-71)

Princess Louise, Princess Alice, and Princess Helena

c.1880 after an original of 1858

Carbon print | 11.3 x 9.5 cm (image) | RCIN 2900124

Photograph of a full length portrait of, from left to right, Princess Louise, Princess Alice and Princess Helena. The three princesses stand together and look to the left. Princess Alice places her left arm around Princess Helena's shoulders. The princesses are dressed for the occasion of Victoria, the Princess Royal's wedding to Prince Frederick William of Prussia. They carry fans and wear flowers in their hair.

Photograph taken from a daguerreotype.

  • Creator(s)

    After Thomas Richard Williams (1825-71) (photographer)

  • Princess Louise Princess Alice & Princess Helena./ 25 Jan: 1858./ From a Daguerreotype by Williams.

  • 11.3 x 9.5 cm (image)

    31.0 x 24.7 cm (whole object)

  • Princess Louise, Princess Alice, and Princess Helena, 25th January 1858 [in Portraits of Royal Children Vol.2 1855-1858]

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • Social sciences
      • Ethnology
        • Social customs
          • Marriage
            • Bridesmaids
              • Royal bridesmaids
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