When Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were considering potential brides for their eldest son, Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, the invention of photography had made it possible for them to see portraits of the young ladies before any further commitments were made. They had already heard of the beauty and charm of Princess Alexandra of Denmark from their eldest daughter, Victoria, Princess Frederick William of Prussia, and upon receiving photographs of her, including this one, they were immediately captivated. In spite of political difficulties, communications with the Princess's parents began, the young couple were introduced, and were eventually married on 10 March 1863.