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

AFTER THOMAS RICHARD WILLIAMS (1825-71)

Victoria, Princess Royal, later Empress of Germany (1840-1901) in her wedding dress

c.1880 after an original of 25 Jan 1858

Carbon print | 14.4 x 12.0 cm (image) | RCIN 2900121

Photograph of a three-quarter length portrait of Victoria, the Princess Royal, later Empress of Germany (1840-1901) seated, facing slightly towards the left. She turns her head three-quarters to the left and gazes ahead, away from the camera. She wears a floral wreath with veil attached, earrings, a diamond necklace, gloves and a wedding dress, described by Queen Victoria (1819-1901) as: 'was of white moire antique, trimmed with 3 flounces of Honiton lace & wreaths & spray of orange flowers & myrtle'.

Photograph from daguerreotype taken before the wedding of the Princess Royal to Prince Frederick of Prussia, later Emperor of Germany (1831-88). Photograph taken at Buckingham Palace.

  • Creator(s)

    After Thomas Richard Williams (1825-71) (photographer)

  • Victoria, Princess Royal in her wedding dress./ Buckingham Palace. 25. Jan. 1858./ From a Daguerreotype taken just before the ceremony./ By Williams.

  • 14.4 x 12.0 cm (image)

    31.0 x 24.7 cm (whole object)

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • Social sciences
      • Ethnology
        • Social customs
          • Marriage
            • Brides
            • Wedding Ceremonial Costume
              • Wedding dresses
            • Royal Weddings
    • Places
      • Europe
        • Great Britain
          • England
            • Greater London [England]
              • London [Greater London]
                • City of Westminster
                  • Buckingham Palace
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