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 SOUTHWELL : 16 BAKER ST, PORTMAN SQUARE, LONDON

Sir Edward Cust (1794-1878)

c.1861

Albumen print | 9.0 x 5.8 cm (image) | RCIN 2910801

Photograph of a full length portrait of Sir Edward Cust (1794-1878) standing, facing a quarter to the left. He looks ahead, away from the camera. He holds a book open in front of his chest with his right hand.

Cust was Master of Ceremonies from 1847 to 1876 and was formerly Equerry to Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg, later King Leopold I.

  • Creator(s)

    William Southwell : 16 Baker St, Portman Square, London (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Sir Edward Cust (1794-1878)

  • annotation: Sir Edward Cust. [beneath work]

  • 9.0 x 5.8 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
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