Princess Helena (1846-1923) was the third daughter and fifth child of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. In 1866, she married Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein. This photograph is the companion of a similar portrait taken of her younger sister, Princess Louise. The two sisters were often together due to their similar ages, although they were very different. Helena was regarded as plain with Queen Victoria claiming her 'features are again now so very large and long that it spoils her looks', while Louise was considered a beauty.