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).

The image is based on a half-length photograph of King Haakon by W. & D. Downey of c.1905 – 6 (RCIN 2807471).

Prince Charles of Denmark, second son of Frederick VIII of Denmark and Louise, only daughter of Carl XV, King of Sweden and Norway, married, in 1896, Princess Maud of Wales, third daughter of Edward VII and Queen Alexandra. Elected King Haakon VII of Norway in 1905, he ruled for over 50 years, until his death in 1957 aged eighty-five.

Signed on the obverse in brown paint: DOWNEY