A Royal Celebration
We're all going to a royal wedding! To celebrate the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton in Westminster Abbey in London on April 29th, we thought we'd delve into the lesser-known corners of The Francis Frith Collection to bring you a variety of Frith images with a "royal" theme. To view more photos in our Royalty-themed Gallery, click here.
Windsor, The Castle 1914
Windsor Castle, which lies beside the River Thames in Berkshire, is a favourite home of the Royal Family. This view shows the pageantry for which Britain is famous, as a large contingent of Lifeguards is parading down Castle Hill, past the statue of Queen Victoria, who ruled from 1837 to 1901.
Windsor, The Castle, Henry VIII Gate
One of the main entrances to Windsor Castle - now known as the Henry VIII Gate - was re-constructed around 1511, soon after Henry's accession.
Queen Victoria c1890
London, Diamond Jubilee 1897, The Royal Coach
Queen Victoria came to the throne when she was only 18, and ruled for 63 years and 7 months, the longest reign of any British monarch. In 1897 she celebrated her Diamond Jubilee - 60 years on the throne, with a service at St Paul's Cathedral and was then driven in her state coach through the streets of London. It seemed that all London had turned out to cheer the aging but much-loved Queen on her colourful procession. Queen Victoria wrote in her diary that it was 'a never-to-be forgotten day... No one ever, I believe, has met with such an ovation as was given to me... Every face seemed to be filled with real joy'.
London, Westminster Bridge, Queen Victoria Jubilee Day 1897
Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee was marked by many celebrations, including, on 22 June 1897, a progress to St Paul's Cathedral, where a short service of thanksgiving was held outside the building, as the Queen was too lame to manage the steps.
Wellington College, The King At Wellington College 1909
Queen Victoria was succeeded by her eldest son, who became Edward VII (1901-1910). Here he is with a group of high-society ladies and gentlemen, in 1909 (in the foreground, in the light-coloured top hat).
Prince George of Wales, Olaf and Prince John 1908
This shows two of the sons of King George V (1910-36), Prince George and Prince John, with their cousin Olaf, who later became King of Norway. Prince John, who had special needs, was kept out of public life and photos of him are rare. He died when he was thirteen and was the subject of Stephen Poliakoff's moving film, 'The Lost Prince'.
The Duchess of York, followed by her Mother 1930
This shows the Duchess of York before she became Queen Elizabeth, wife of King George VI, following the abdication of Edward VIII. She was the mother of the present Queen Elizabeth II, and a much-loved member of the Royal Family.
Ascot, The Royal Coach c1950
The Royal Family have a long connection with horse-racing, and the Royal Meeting in June at the racecourse at Ascot is a significant social event. Members of the Royal Family drive through Windsor Great Park to attend the race meetings, and the Royal coach procession down the course before racing begins is a highlight of each race day. In this view, our present monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, can be seen in the royal coach with her husband Prince Philip, as it proceeds down the course in the early 1950s.
