Queen Victoria (1819–1901) and Prince Albert (1819–61) were dedicated patrons of photography from 1842 onwards. Their varied interests encompassed collecting photography as an art form as well as recognising its value as historical record, including documenting their own art collection. Their enthusiasm for this new medium extended to the purchase of a darkroom, where the royal children were taught photography under the guidance of Librarian Ernst Becker.

Over the years, many members of the Royal Family have been prolific photographers, especially Queen Alexandra, whose albums provide a unique insight into the lives of the royal families of Europe from the 1880s to the First World War. The selection of photographs below provides an introduction to the central role of photography in the lives of the Royal Family.