Search results

Start typing

This exhibition is in the past. View our current exhibitions.
GEORGE WASHINGTON WILSON (1823-93)

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert with their four eldest children and Prince Friedrich Wilhelm of Prussia, Balmoral, 1855

29 - 29 Sep 1855

RCIN 2106411

This photograph was taken hours before Prince Frederick William of Prussia (1831–88) proposed to Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter, Princess Victoria (1840–1901) at Balmoral. The prince’s proposal was eagerly accepted by the princess but was kept secret until her confirmation in 1856. The photograph was a private commission intended as a record of the family gathering and was not released to the public as an official engagement photograph. This was the second royal commission that Wilson undertook alone, following the breakdown of his partnership with John Hay Junior in January 1855. After taking this photograph, Wilson capitalised on his royal patronage and confidently gave himself the title of ‘Photographer to the Queen’.


    The income from your ticket contributes directly to The Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity. The aims of The Royal Collection Trust are the care and conservation of the Royal Collection, and the promotion of access and enjoyment through exhibitions, publications, loans and educational activities.