Princess Alice (1843-78) was the third child and second daughter of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Known for her sweet nature, she often took on the role of peacekeeper. Princess Helena, her sister, described her as ‘loving Daughter and Sister, the devoted Wife and Mother, and a perfect, true Woman’. In 1862 she married Louis IV, Grand Duke of Hesse.

In this portrait Princess Alice is depicted in evening dress with badges of the Orders of Victoria and Albert, the Crown of India, and Louise of Prussia. The head-and-shoulders composition originates from Heinrich von Angeli’s family portrait of 1878-9 (see below) which inspired many versions. This portrait is a copy of the same type as RCIN 403664.

The portrait was in the possession of Edward VII, when Prince of Wales at Marlborough House and may have been painted for him. The frame is by Foord and Dickinson.