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.

Visit the Royal Collection

Portraiture

Prince Albert was an early adopter of portrait photography

    JOHN JABEZ EDWIN MAYALL (1813-1901)

    Princess Helena (1846-1923)

    Mar 1861

    Albumen print | 8.7 x 5.7 cm (image) | RCIN 2900460

    Photograph of a full length portrait of Princess Helena (1846-1923) standing, facing right, her face captured in profile. She holds a hat and shawl in front of her. She poses in front of a painted backdrop depicting a landscape scene.

    • Creator(s)

      John Jabez Edwin Mayall (1813-1901) (photographer)

      Subject(s)

      Princess Helena (1846-1923)

    • annotation: Princefs Helena. March 1861. [lower right corner] Mayall. [beneath work]

    • 8.7 x 5.7 cm (image)

      31.0 x 24.7 cm (page dimensions)

    • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

    • Object type(s)
        • visual works
          • photographs
    PreviousNext
    PreviousNext
    Policy links
    Royal Collection TrustIn Partnership with

    Royal Collection Trust is a charity caring for the Royal Collection and welcoming visitors to the royal palaces. We bring our shared history to life through world-class experiences that involve and inspire people, wherever they are. Income from tickets and retail sales helps us to conserve the Collection so that it can be enjoyed by everyone for generations to come.