Before the advent of photography, only a privileged few were able to have their likeness captured through commissioning an artist to create a painting or print. The introduction of photographic technologies in 1839 enabled a new, relatively quick and inexpensive means of creating a physical likeness. Understandably, the public were captivated and those with the means attended photographic studios to have their photograph taken.

Prince Albert (1819-61) and Queen Victoria (1819-1901) were enchanted by photography and commissioned various photographers to capture their image. In 1842, the Prince attended William Constable's (1783-1861) studio to have his photograph taken. The resulting daguerreotype is the earliest photograph in the Royal Collection (right).

Since the nineteenth century, the British monarchy have collected, created and commissioned portrait photographs. Consequently, the Royal Collection holds a vast collection of significant and unique portrait photographs, a selection of which are shown below.