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 Princess Royal

Aug 1855

Albumen print with painted additions | 20.0 x 15.0 cm (image) | RCIN 2900055

Photograph of a head and shoulder length portrait of Victoria, the Princess Royal, later Empress of Germany (1844-1901). The Princess faces three-quarters to the right and gazes upwards. She wears a lace veil over her loose hair. She holds her hands together in front of her. Photograph taken at Osborne.

Photograph presented as a vignette and cropped into an oval shape. The photograph has been enhanced through painted additions.
  • Creator(s)

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

    Subject(s)

    Empress Friedrich, German Empress and Queen of Prussia (1840-1901)
  • annotation: The Princess Royal. / 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