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KING EDWARD VII AND QUEEN ALEXANDRA — ORIGINAL LAFAYETTE ROYAL PORTRAIT POSTCARD, CIRCA 1908–1910
An original antique early-20th-century photographic postcard depicting the royal sitters King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra in formal court dress. The portrait is attributed to Lafayette, the celebrated royal and society-photography studio, and was probably published circa 1908–1910 by the Rapid Photo Printing Co., London.
This striking Edwardian royal portrait shows King Edward VII in ceremonial military uniform with sash, medals and orders, alongside Queen Alexandra in an ornate white gown, floral headdress and jewelry. An appealing collectible for those interested in British royalty, Edwardian history, Lafayette photography, military uniforms, medals and ceremonial dress.
ITEM DETAILS
* Original antique photographic postcard
* King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra
* Photograph credited to Lafayette
* Published by the Rapid Photo Printing Co., Ltd., London, E.C.
* Publisher’s catalog number: 2861
* Divided back
* Unposted and unused
* Printed in England
* Not a modern reproduction
* Probable publication date: circa 1908–1910
ROYAL PORTRAIT AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT
The royal couple are shown in formal court dress. Edward VII wears an elaborate ceremonial military uniform with sash, medals and orders. Queen Alexandra appears in an ornate white gown with floral headdress and jewelry.
The underlying Lafayette portrait is generally dated to approximately 1908. The divided-back format and the known operating period of the Rapid Photo Printing Co. support the probable postcard publication date.
Edward VII, eldest son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, reigned from 1901 until his death in May 1910. His reign gave its name to the Edwardian era, remembered for ceremonial splendor, fashionable elegance, technological progress and changing international relationships.
Queen Alexandra was born a Danish princess and married the future Edward VII in 1863. Admired for her appearance, charitable work and influence on fashion, she remained a popular member of the Royal Family long after the King’s death.
Because the caption identifies the sitters as “Their Majesties the King & Queen,” the postcard was almost certainly produced during Edward VII’s lifetime or immediately around the end of his reign.
PHOTOGRAPHER AND PUBLISHER
The name “Lafayette” identifies the celebrated Lafayette portrait studio, established by James Stack Lauder in Dublin in 1880. Lafayette became one of Britain and Ireland’s leading society-photography firms, with sitters including members of the Royal Family, aristocracy, military leaders and prominent public figures.
James Lafayette received a Royal Warrant from Queen Victoria in 1887. The warrant was subsequently renewed during the reigns of Edward VII and George V, giving the studio an important place in the history of British royal portraiture.
Publisher:
* The Rapid Photo Printing Co., Ltd.
* London, E.C.
* Catalog number: 2861
* Printed in England
COLLECTING INTEREST
A desirable addition to collections of:
* British royal-family memorabilia
* King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra
* Edwardian history
* Royal portrait photography
* Military uniforms, medals and ceremonial dress
* Lafayette photographic material
* Early British photographic postcards
CONDITION
Good to Very Good unposted antique condition. No major crease or tear observed
Please examine all photographs carefully.
The postcard shown in the photographs is the exact original card the buyer will receive.
