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

JOHN JABEZ EDWIN MAYALL (1813-1901)

Queen Victoria (1819-1901) and Prince Albert, the Prince Consort (1819-61)

1860

Albumen print, carte-de-visite | 8.7 x 5.6 cm (image) | RCIN 2907745

Photograph of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Queen Victoria stands on the right of the photograph, looking down at a book on Prince Albert's lap. Prince Albert is seated, his legs crossed, looking up at the Queen. He holds a book open on his right knee.

This carte-de-visite was one of several issued by Mayall in Spring 1860 as part of his 'Royal Album', a set of portraits of the Royal Family available for sale to the public. It was the first time that the Queen had permitted cartes-de-visite of her family to be publicly distributed.

  • Creator(s)

    John Jabez Edwin Mayall (1813-1901) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom (1819-1901)
    Prince Albert, Prince Consort (1819-61)

  • 8.7 x 5.6 cm (image)

    9.6 x 6.2 cm (mount)

    23.1 x 18.2 cm (page dimensions)

    24.3 x 19.8 x 5.5 cm (album)

  • Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. [Album: Photographs. Royal Portraits, vol.47]

  • Acquired by Prince Albert, the Prince Consort

  • Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
          • cartes-de-visite
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