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.

Portraiture

Prince Albert was an early adopter of portrait photography

FRANCES SALLY DAY (1815-92)

Princess Victoria, Duchess of Kent (1786-1861) and Princess Alice, later Grand Duchess of Hesse and by Rhine (1843-78)

Apr 1860

Albumen print | 7.9 x 5.5 cm (image) | RCIN 2513464

Photograph of a full length double portrait of Princess Victoria, Duchess of Kent (1786-1861) and Princess Alice, later Grand Duchess of Hesse and by Rhine (1843-78) standing, facing towards the camera. Princess Alice gazes downwards whilst the Duchess looks towards the camera. The women stand arm in arm. Photograph taken in Buckingham Palace.

  • Creator(s)

    Frances Sally Day (1815-92) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Princess Victoria, Duchess of Kent (1786-1861)
    Princess Alice, Grand Duchess of Hesse & by Rhine (1843-78)
  • annotation: With Alice. [break] Buckingham Palace./ April 1860. [beneath work, right side]

  • 7.9 x 5.5 cm (image)

    9.5 x 6.5 cm (page dimensions)

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • Places
      • Europe
        • Great Britain
          • England
            • Greater London [England]
              • London [Greater London]
                • City of Westminster [London]
                  • Buckingham Palace
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs