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

AFTER GEORGE HOUSMAN THOMAS (1824-68)

The Confirmation of H.R.H. Prince Arthur in Whippingham Church

c. 1866

Albumen print | 20.2 x 25.2 cm (image) | RCIN 2905641

Photograph of a painting depicting the confirmation of Prince Arthur at Whippingham Church on 26 April 1866. Prince Arthur is shown kneeling before a vicar at the centre of the composition. Queen Victoria stands to the left of the composition.

The painting is held in the Royal Collection, RCIN 925144.
  • Creator(s)

    After George Housman Thomas (1824-68) (artist)

    Unknown Person (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Prince Arthur, 1st Duke of Connaught (1850-1942)
    Queen Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom (1819-1901)
  • 20.2 x 25.2 cm (image)

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria

  • Subject(s)
    • Religion & Theology
      • Religions and faiths
        • Christianity
          • Christian church in general
            • Sacraments
              • Confirmation (sacrament)
    • Places
      • Europe
        • Great Britain
          • England
            • Isle of Wight [England]
              • Whippingham [Isle of Wight]
                • St Mildred's Church [Whippingham]
    • Arts, Recreation, Entertainment & Sport
      • Architecture
        • Architectural design
          • Interiors
    • Natural Sciences & Mathematics
      • Astronomy
        • Geodesy & Surveying
          • Topography
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs