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

JOHN JABEZ EDWIN MAYALL (1813-1901)

The Prince of Wales

Aug 1855

Albumen print with painted additions | 20.0 x 15.0 cm (image) | RCIN 2900053

Photograph of a head and shoulder length portrait of Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII (1841-1910). The Prince looks towards the camera. The portrait is a vignette and the photograph has been cropped into an oval shape. Photograph has been enhanced with painted additions.
  • Creator(s)

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

    Subject(s)

    King Edward VII, King of the United Kingdom (1841-1910)
    Family of Queen Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom
  • annotation: The Prince of Wales./ Osborne. Aug. 1855./ By Mr. Mayall. [beneath work]

  • 20.0 x 15.0 cm (image)

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs