Bidspirit 拍卖 | Prince Albert Victor, Duke of

Prince Albert Victor, Duke of Clarence and Avondale, and Princess Victoria Mary of Teck, Later Queen Mary – Royal Engagement Cabinet Portrait, 1891–1892 – An Engagement Ended by the Prince’s Sudden Death - An unusual royal Cabinet Card double portrait depicting Prince Albert Victor, Duke of Clarence and Avondale (1864–1892), eldest son of Albert Edward and Alexandra, Prince and Princess of Wales, together with his fiancée Princess Victoria Mary of Teck (1867–1953), the future Queen Mary, consort of King George V. The lower portion of the photograph identifies the couple: “H.R.H. The Duke of Clarence and Avondale & H.S.H. Princess Victoria of Teck.” The historical importance of the portrait lies in the remarkably brief and ultimately tragic royal engagement it records. Known within the Royal Family as “Eddy, ” Prince Albert Victor was second in line to the British throne, immediately after his father. He became engaged to Princess Victoria Mary of Teck – known within her family as “May” – in late 1891. Their marriage was planned for 1892, but only weeks after the engagement Albert Victor became seriously ill and died on 14 January 1892, aged only twenty-eight, from pneumonia during the influenza epidemic. His unexpected death dramatically altered the succession. His younger brother Prince George moved into his place in the direct line to the throne. During the subsequent period of mourning George and May became close and married in 1893. George ascended the throne in 1910 as King George V, with May becoming Queen Mary. The photograph therefore records a fascinating royal future that never came to pass: had Albert Victor survived and married May, he would likely eventually have become King with her as his Queen. Instead, following his premature death, she married his younger brother and nevertheless became Queen. The photograph is mounted on an attractive decorative cabinet card with a red printed border, royal device and “CABINET PORTRAIT” inscription. The photographer or studio is not identified on the card. The number 1180, probably a publisher’s catalogue or negative number, appears at the lower left of the image, together with the printed identification of the royal couple. The lower mount is decorated with an elaborate “CABINET PORTRAIT” design.