Carl Rudolph was the son of Carl Ferdinand Sohn (1805-1867); the father was known to Queen Victoria through his portrait of the Queen of Hanover (RCIN 405078); the son was employed by members of the Royal Family 1882-6.

Prince Albert Edward (1841-1910) was the first son and second child of the nine children of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, and the first heir born to a reigning sovereign since 1762. He was usually known by both names, except in the family, where he was called Bertie. When he ascended the throne in 1901, he declared himself Edward VII.

Queen Victoria noted in her Journal that Sohn had got the Prince's likeness very quickly and that he had begun from a photograph and only required one sitting.

Inscribed on the back with the names of the artist and sitter and the date, 1882.