The Maharajah Dalip Singh (1838-93), Osborne

Dr Ernst Becker (1826–88) was Librarian to Prince Albert and a skilled photographer. Through his role in the royal household, he was able to photograph private family moments and notable guests who visited and stayed with the royal family at their royal residences.

This photograph depicts the Maharajah Dalip Singh (1838–93) during his stay at Osborne in August 1854. 

Following the annexation of the Punjab by the British East India Company, Dalip Singh was initially given a pension and provided with a guardian before being brought to England in April 1854. He met Queen Victoria at Buckingham Palace in July of that year and also stayed with the royal family at Osborne.