A marble bust of Queen Alexandra when Princess of Wales wearing a low-cut and pleated gown with an ancient Egyptian scarab brooch, looking to her left with her hair tied back behind her head.

Princess Alexandra, daughter of King Christian IX and Queen Louise of Denmark, became engaged to Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, in September 1862. This portrait must have been begun at least by that time, for on 5 December Queen Victoria was able to report that she ‘went to look at Mrs Thornycroft’s bust of Alix.’ It seems likely that this was the sculptor’s clay model, as the account for the
marble bust dates from the following August, the month in which the marriage took place. This was the second work commissioned for the north wing Corridor at Buckingham Palace in which Queen Victoria assembled a series of busts of her daughters and daughters-in-law.

The distinctive brooch (RCIN 14645) is part of the ‘Thebes’ suite given as a wedding gift to the princess from the Prince of Wales. It was made by Robert Phillips. The previous year the prince had spent five months touring Egypt, including Thebes, and the commission to Phillips was doubtless inspired by ancient jewels the prince had seen on his tour. The presentation suite consisted of a necklace, earrings and brooch created from an Egyptian scarab.

Text adapted from Sculpture in the Collection of His Majesty The King (2025)