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.

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Portraiture

Prince Albert was an early adopter of portrait photography

      ATTRIBUTED TO LEONIDA CALDESI (1823-91)

      The Princess Royal's bridesmaids

      25 Jan 1858

      Salted paper print | 28.5 x 39.6 cm (image) | RCIN 2940529

      Photograph of a full length group portrait of Victoria, the Princess Royal's bridesmaids. The women all wear matching gowns decorated with flowers, gloves and floral crowns. They each hold posies. The bridesmaids are, from left to right, Lady Cecilia Molyneux, Lady Victoria Noel, Lady Constance Villiers, Lady Susan Murray, Lady Emma Stanley, Lady Katherine Hamilton, Lady Cecilia Gordon-Lennox and Lady Susan Pelham-Clinton.

      • Creator(s)

        Attributed to Leonida Caldesi (1823-91) (photographer)

      • 28.5 x 39.6 cm (image)

      • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

      • Subject(s)
        • Social sciences
          • Ethnology
            • Social customs
              • Marriage
                • Royal Weddings
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