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

THOMAS RICHARD WILLIAMS (1825-71)

Victoria, the Princess Royal, later Empress of Germany (1840-1901)

Nov 1856

Salted paper print | 11.8 x 9.4 cm (image) | RCIN 2900081

Photograph of a near full length portrait of Victoria, the Princess Royal, later Empress of Germany (1840-1901) taken at Windsor Castle. She stands, facing three-quarters to the right. She turns her head towards the camera and gazes slightly to the right. She wears an off-the shoulder dark colour dress and holds a fan in her left hand. There is a table beside her, on the right, and drapery in the background. Photograph taken at Windsor Castle.
  • Creator(s)

    Thomas Richard Williams (1825-71) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Empress Friedrich, German Empress and Queen of Prussia (1840-1901)
  • annotation: Victoria/ Princess Royal./ Windsor Castle. Nov: 1856./ By Mr. Williams. [beneath work]

  • 11.8 x 9.4 cm (image)

    31.0 x 24.7 cm (whole object)

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • Science, Medicine and Technology
      • Industries, Crafts and Trades
        • Clothing
          • Fans
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs