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

UNKNOWN PERSON

'The Queen and Princess of Wales'; Queen Victoria (1819-1901) and Princess Alexandra, later Queen Alexandra (1844-1925)

Mar 1863

Albumen print hand-coloured with watercolour | 8.7 x 5.7 cm (image) | RCIN 2914315

Hand-coloured photograph of a full length double portrait of Queen Victoria (1819-1901) and Princess Alexandra, later Queen Alexandra (1844-1925) posed with a bust of Prince Albert (1819-61). Queen Victoria is seated, on the right side of the photograph. She is dressed in mourning clothing and holds a book on her lap with both hands. Princess Alexandra stands beside her, on the left, facing three-quarters to the right and gazing down at her mother-in-law.

  • Creator(s)

    Unknown Person (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Queen Alexandra of the United Kingdom (1844-1925)

  • 8.7 x 5.7 cm (image)

  • Commissioned by Queen Victoria

  • Subject(s)
    • Social sciences
      • Ethnology
        • Social customs
          • Marriage
            • Wedding Ceremonial Costume
              • Wedding dresses
            • Royal Weddings
            • Brides
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
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