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A Queen in mourning

Prince Albert died at Windsor Castle on December 14 1861, at the age of 42. His premature death was attributed to typhoid fever. Queen Victoria was overwhelmed by grief at the loss of her beloved husband and retreated from public view until the late 1860s. She remained in mourning, wearing only black, for the rest of her life.

This photograph was taken by Prince Alfred, Queen Victoria’s son, in March 1862. The image depicts the Queen and her daughter, Princess Alice, in mourning clothes, with a marble bust of Prince Albert.

Supplied by Royal Collection Trust
© HM Queen Elizabeth II 2012
RCIN 2900540