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.

Landscape, Nature and Architecture

Technological improvements enabled Prince Albert to collect photographs of places that were significant to him

    DR ERNST BECKER (1826-88)

    Stag shot by the Prince on Craig na Gael

    4 - 4 Oct 1852

    Coated salted paper print | 9.4 x 11.7 cm (image) | RCIN 2116985

    Photograph of a dead stag laid out beside a birch tree. The stag was shot by Prince Albert (1819-61) on Craig na Gael. The caption indicates the stag weighed 15 stone.

    On 4 October 1852, Queen Victoria wrote in her journal: 'To my surprise & delight, Albert returned a little after 2, having shot a beautiful, heavy stag, on Craig Nagael'.

    • Creator(s)

      Dr Ernst Becker (1826-88) (photographer)

    • annotation: Stag shot by the Prince on Craig na Gael.-/ (as he fell)/ Calotype by Dr Becker [break] Oct: 4th 1852. weighed 15st clear. [beneath work]

    • 9.4 x 11.7 cm (image)

    • From the collection of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

    • Subject(s)
      • Natural Sciences & Mathematics
        • Biological sciences
          • Zoology
            • Animals
              • Mammals
                • Deer
                  • Red deer
                    • Stags (male deer)
      • Science, Medicine and Technology
        • Agriculture and related techniques
          • Animal husbandry
            • Field sports (hunting, shooting, stalking)
              • Hunting methods
                • Stalking
      • Places
        • Europe
          • Great Britain
            • Scotland
              • Aberdeenshire [Scotland]
                • Balmoral Estate [Aberdeenshire]
      Object type(s)
        • visual works
          • photographs