William and Daniel Downey were photographers based in Newcastle upon Tyne and London. Queen Victoria was first photographed 'by a very good photographer Downey, from Newcastle' on 22 September 1866 (RA QVJ). W. & D. Downey established studios in London at 6 Ebury Street (1872 – 8), and subsequently at 51 Ebury Street (1879) and 57 Ebury Street (1880 – 90), although much of their printing and finishing was still completed in Newcastle. They became known for their photography of members of the Royal Family and other society figures. The firm continued to operate after the death of its founder, Daniel Downey, in July 1881, and in 1896 Queen Victoria and her family 'were all photographed by Downey by the new cinematograph process, which makes moving pictures by winding off a reel of films' (RA QVJ: 3 October 1896).

This image is based on a three-quarter-length photograph, probably by W. & D. Downey, dating from the time Princess Maud of Denmark became Queen of Norway in 1905 (2807483) and showing her in profile to the left, wearing a white and silver evening dress with diamond choker and a pearl and diamond tiara.

Princess Maud of Wales, third daughter of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, married, in 1896, her cousin Prince Charles of Denmark, second son of Frederick VIII of Denmark. She unexpectedly became Queen of Norway when that country, gaining independence in 1905, opted for a constitutional monarchy, and elected Prince Charles of Denmark to rule as King Haakon VII.

Signed along lower left edge in black paint: DOWNEY