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

DR ERNST BECKER (1826-88)

The Prince of Wales on his pony and the Gillie, Murdoch

Oct 1853

Salted paper print | 11.1 x 12.5 cm (image) | RCIN 2140250

Photograph of Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (1841-1910), later King Edward VII, sitting on a pony with Mr Murdoch, a Ghillie, who holds the head of the pony
  • Creator(s)

    Dr Ernst Becker (1826-88) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    King Edward VII, King of the United Kingdom (1841-1910)
    Great Britain
    Mr Murdoch
  • 11.1 x 12.5 cm (image)

    33.9 x 46.1 cm (page dimensions)

    35.7 x 47.5 x 2.4 cm (album)

  • Commissioned by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • Social sciences
      • Ethnology
        • Costume & National dress
          • Costume-Great Britain
            • Costume-Scotland
              • Scottish Highland Dress
    • Science, Medicine and Technology
      • Agriculture and related techniques
        • Animal husbandry
          • Horses
            • Ponies
    • Places
      • Europe
        • Great Britain
          • Scotland
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs