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

LEONIDA CALDESI & CO (ACTIVE C. 1860-66)

Thai Ambassadors to the Court of St James's

c.19 Nov 1857

Salted paper print | 21.0 x 26.4 cm (image) | RCIN 2906684

Photograph of a full length group portrait of nine Thai ambassadors standing, facing towards the camera. They are dressed in traditional clothing that includes various hat types. It is assumed that one of the ambassadors is Praya Montri Suriyawong, who visited Queen Victoria on 19 November 1857. Photograph taken at St. James's Palace.

Photograph is a vignette.

  • Creator(s)

    Leonida Caldesi & Co (active c. 1860-66) (photographer)

  • 21.0 x 26.4 cm (image)

    28.4 x 23.0 cm (page dimensions)

    29.5 x 24.5 x 6.0 cm (album)

  • The Siamese Ambassadors to the Court of St James's, c.1857 [Photographic Portraits Vol.2/60 1852-1859]

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
        • albums
          • photograph albums
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