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.

Memorial works

Following Albert’s premature death, Victoria commissioned the creation of photographs and decorative objects that memorialised her beloved husband

      WILLIAM BAMBRIDGE (1819-79)

      The royal children in mourning

      Mar 1862

      Albumen print | 14.5 x 11.9 cm (image) | RCIN 2900550

      Photograph howing some of the children of Prince Albert and Queen Victoria posed around a bust of Prince Albert. The children are arranged, from left ro right, Prince Alfred, Princess Alice, Princess Louise, Princess Victoria of Prussia and Princess Helena.
      • Creator(s)

        William Bambridge (1819-79) (photographer)

        Subject(s)

        Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh and Saxe-Coburg & Gotha (1844-1900)
        Princess Alice, Grand Duchess of Hesse & by Rhine (1843-78)
        Princess Helena (1846-1923)
        Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll (1848-1939)
        Prince Albert, Prince Consort (1819-61)
        Empress Friedrich, German Empress and Queen of Prussia (1840-1901)
      • 14.5 x 11.9 cm (image)

        31.0 x 24.7 cm (page dimensions)

      • Prince Alfred, Princess Alice, Princess Louise, the Crown Princess of Prussia and Princess Helena, 1862 [in Portraits of Royal Children Vol.6 1862-1863]

      • Acquired by Queen Victoria

      • Subject(s)
        • Social sciences
          • Ethnology
            • Mourning
        Object type(s)
          • visual works
            • photographs