Prince Albert's Personal Papers

Prince Albert’s Personal Papers consist of archival material relating to his personal life and enthusiasms.

Included in this collection are records relating to Prince Albert’s (1819-61) early life in Coburg, such as his Exercise Books recording his private tuition as a child and teenager, his passport and German Hunting Register. Later material includes Engagement Diaries, Calendars and Visitor Books. The collection also reflects some of his personal interests and includes copies of his own musical compositions, his file on the purchase and development of Osborne on the Isle of Wight, and papers relating to his reform of the Royal Library.

Two distinct sub-collections are also included that relate to his study, collecting and curating of works of art. The first is the correspondence relating to the development of his study collection of prints and photographs of works after Raphael held in the Print Room at Windsor Castle. The second is a selected collection of letters, accounts and bills relating to Prince Albert’s collecting of photographs and engagement with photography.