Painting of the Day: Victoria, Princess Royal, in Fancy Dress, 1850

Victoria, Princess Royal, in Fancy Dress
Sir William Ross
Watercolor on Ivory, 1850
The Royal Collection

Though life in the Royal Residences was probably quite comfortable, it had to have been a tad dull for Queen Victoria’s children. Devoted to both country and family, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert did attempt to entertain their children. One of the family’s favorite ways of passing time was to stage informal “fancy dress” parties in the Royal Apartments.


This miniature on ivory by Sir William Ross shows Princess Victoria, the daughter of Victoria and Albert, in one such costume. The Queen was so pleased with this delicate painting of her child in “Turkish” robes that she allowed it to be displayed at The Royal Academy.