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.

Visit the Royal Collection

Portraiture

Prince Albert was an early adopter of portrait photography

UNKNOWN PERSON

Sir Edward Cust (1794-1878)

c. 1860

Albumen print | 8.8 x 5.5 cm (image) | RCIN 2910767

Photograph of a full length portrait of Sir Edward Cust (1794-1878) seated at a small table, facing slightly towards the right. He turns his head and looks towards the camera. He holds a piece of paper in front of his body with both hands.

Cust was Master of Ceremonies from 1847 to 1876, formerly Equerry to His Royal Highness Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg, later King of the Belgians.

  • Creator(s)

    Unknown Person (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Sir Edward Cust (1794-1878)

  • annotation: Sir Edward Cust. [beneath work]

  • 8.8 x 5.5 cm (image)

    9.6 x 6.2 cm (mount)

    23.1 x 18.0 cm (page dimensions)

  • Acquired by Prince Albert

  • Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • albums
          • photograph albums
        • photographs
PreviousNext
PreviousNext
Policy links
Royal Collection TrustIn Partnership with

Royal Collection Trust is a charity caring for the Royal Collection and welcoming visitors to the royal palaces. We bring our shared history to life through world-class experiences that involve and inspire people, wherever they are. Income from tickets and retail sales helps us to conserve the Collection so that it can be enjoyed by everyone for generations to come.