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

    THOMAS RICHARD WILLIAMS (1825-71)

    Victoria, Princess Frederick of Prussia, later Empress of Germany (1840-1901), and the infant Prince William, later Wilhelm II (1859-1941)

    Mar 1859

    Albumen print | 9.4 x 8.8 cm (image) | RCIN 2900161

    Photograph of a three-quarter length portrait of Victoria, Princess Frederick of Prussia, later Empress of Germany (1840-1901), seated, cradling her infant son Prince William, later Wilhelm II (1859-1941). The princess looks down at her son, who appears to be asleep.

    Photograph from a daguerreotype.

    • Creator(s)

      Thomas Richard Williams (1825-71) (photographer)

    • Victoria,/ Princess Royal,/ Princess Frederic William of Prussia,/ and the infant Prince William,/ March 1859./ 1. Williams from a Daguerreotype.

    • 9.4 x 8.8 cm (image)

      30.8 x 24.4 cm (whole object)

    • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

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