23 Rare & Unseen Photos of the British Royal Family Through History

In 1857, Queen Victoria made history by posing for the very first royal photograph. That single moment sparked the world’s fascination with capturing the British Royal Family on camera. Since then, countless portraits and candid shots have been taken, but some rare gems remain tucked away. Here’s a look at the most memorable yet rarely seen royal family photos that offer a timeless glimpse into Britain’s rich royal history.

The Queen (and her prince) near the end of the Victorian era

Here’s Queen Victoria in the mid-1890s, sitting at her desk, looking every bit the strong but sentimental monarch. Beside her, a framed photo of her late husband, Prince Albert, who passed in 1861. She never really stopped missing him. Victoria was super sentimental, not just about Albert, but also about her pets—especially her dog, Dash, who she adored.

And honestly, it’s not just her. The British Royal Family has always had a soft spot for their dogs. From royal corgis to loyal hounds, these furry companions show up in portraits, photos, even royal paintings. Some of the cutest and rarest pictures in royal history are the ones that show this softer side—queens, kings, and even little princes growing up with their dogs by their side.

Edward VII before he became King

Before the crown, there was “Bertie.” Born Albert Edward, Queen Victoria’s eldest son was next in line for the throne, but he wasn’t exactly the picture of a serious monarch in his younger days. In this rare 1841 photo, he’s with his wife, Princess Alexandra, and three of their six children—Princess Mary, Prince Albert Victor, and little Prince George (who later became King George V).

Even though he was destined to rule, Bertie had a reputation as a bit of a party boy. He loved the high-society lifestyle, something that didn’t sit too well with his strict parents, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Still, this glimpse into royal history shows a more human side of the future Edward VII—before duty and the crown eventually caught up with him.

George V, the “Prince Harry” of his time

Here’s a young Prince George around 1885, just 20 years old, long before he became King George V. Back then, he was the second son of King Edward VII, which basically made him the “Prince Harry” of that era. Like Harry today, George never really expected to sit on the throne. His older brother was the heir, and George was free to live more in the shadow.

But royal history has a funny way of rewriting itself. Fate stepped in, and George went from being the spare to wearing the crown. These rare royal photos remind us that even future kings once lived thinking they’d never rule.

George V, with his older brother Albert Victor

Before he ever dreamed of becoming king, George V grew up in the shadow of his older brother, Prince Albert Victor. Think of Albert as the “Prince William” of his time—the heir to the throne, while George was the spare. Sadly, Albert’s story was cut short. In 1892, at just 28 years old, he passed away from a sudden illness.

That heartbreaking twist of fate changed royal history forever. When their father, Edward VII, took the crown in 1901, George suddenly became next in line. By 1910, after Edward’s death, George was crowned King of the United Kingdom.

This rare old photo of the brothers as young boys captures a moment of innocence—long before duty, loss, and the crown shaped their destinies.

George V’s kids, including two future kings

King George V and Queen Mary (Mary of Teck) had six children, but it’s the eldest four who really shaped royal history. First was David—better known as Edward, who later became King Edward VIII. He famously gave up the crown in 1936 after just one year on the throne, choosing love over duty when he married American divorcée Wallis Simpson.

Next came Albert, the second-born son, who never expected to rule. But when his brother abdicated, Albert became King George VI, the steady monarch who guided Britain through World War II and fathered the future Queen Elizabeth II. Alongside them were their sister Princess Mary, and brother Prince Henry.

This rare family snapshot is more than just a photo—it’s a peek into the childhood of royals who would change the course of British monarchy forever.

Future (and later former) King Edward VIII with Queen Victoria

Here’s a sweet moment from royal history—Queen Victoria sitting with her two-year-old great-grandson, little Prince Edward. Nobody knew it then, but this toddler would one day become King Edward VIII, the monarch who famously gave up the crown for love.

Because of the sudden death of his uncle, Prince Albert Victor, in 1892, Edward moved up in the line of succession. By the time this photo was taken, he was already third in line—right behind his grandfather, Edward VII, and his father, the future George V.

It’s one of those rare royal family photos that capture not just family ties, but also the twists of fate that shaped the British monarchy.

Wallis Simpson, before she became the Duchess of Windsor

Long before she shook up the British monarchy, Wallis Simpson was just another American socialite living her life. This 1928 photo shows her while still married to her first husband, Naval Commander E. Winfield Spencer. Later, she married Ernest Simpson—but left him too when she fell for Edward, the Prince of Wales, who would soon become King Edward VIII.

Their love story changed royal history forever. In 1936, Edward chose Wallis over the crown, abdicating after only a year on the throne. The scandal rocked the monarchy, but it also made Wallis Simpson one of the most talked-about women in royal history.

This rare snapshot captures her before the fame, before the controversy, and before she became the Duchess of Windsor—the woman at the center of one of Britain’s greatest royal scandals.

Baby Queen Elizabeth II with her parents

Here’s a precious royal moment—Princess Elizabeth on her christening day in 1926. At the time, nobody thought this little girl would ever wear the crown. Her uncle, Edward (later King Edward VIII), was next in line, and her father, Albert, was just the spare.

But royal history took a sharp turn. In 1936, Edward VIII abdicated the throne to marry Wallis Simpson, the American divorcée who changed everything. Suddenly, Elizabeth’s quiet father became King George VI, and young Elizabeth was thrust into the direct line of succession.

Looking back at this rare royal photo, it’s wild to think that this tiny baby would grow up to be Queen Elizabeth II—the longest-reigning monarch in British history.

A big day for the future Queen Mum (then Duchess of York)

This snapshot was taken on December 10, 1936—a day that turned the British monarchy upside down. News had just broken that King Edward VIII was abdicating the throne to marry Wallis Simpson. That shocking decision instantly changed the destiny of the woman then known as the Duchess of York, Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon.

Her husband, Albert, was suddenly next in line and soon crowned King George VI. That meant Elizabeth would step into the role of Queen Consort—a position she had never expected. Years later, she would be remembered worldwide as the beloved Queen Mother, with her daughter, Princess Elizabeth, now heir to the throne.

This rare royal photo captures the very moment history shifted—when the quiet Duchess of York transformed into one of the most admired women in British royal history.

The future Queen riding her hobby horse

Here’s a sweet throwback to 1937—Princess Elizabeth, just a little girl, playing on her hobby horse. By this point, she already knew her life had changed forever and that one day she’d become Queen Elizabeth II. Right beside her is her younger sister, Princess Margaret Rose, looking every bit the cheeky sidekick.

It’s one of those rare childhood photos that show the softer side of the British royal family—long before duty, crowns, and history books. Moments like this remind us that even future queens once just wanted to play with their toys.

And if you love this glimpse, don’t miss more candid, rarely seen photos of the royal family through the years.

A rare swimsuit photo of Queen Elizabeth II

Here’s a real gem—Princess Elizabeth back in 1938, captured in her “swimming costume” (as the British would say). It’s not every day you see rare royal photos like this, showing the future Queen in such a relaxed, carefree moment long before the crown.

A rare swimsuit photo of Queen Elizabeth II

Here’s a real gem—Princess Elizabeth back in 1938, captured in her “swimming costume” (as the British would say). It’s not every day you see rare royal photos like this, showing the future Queen in such a relaxed, carefree moment long before the crown.

Prince Charles on his way to Gordonstoun

Flash forward to 1962—13-year-old Prince Charles is caught on camera heading off to his first term at Gordonstoun boarding school in Scotland. Charles would later joke about the place, calling it “Colditz with Kilts,” thanks to the tough routine of morning runs and icy showers. Queen Elizabeth II wasn’t thrilled about the public knowing this side of royal life, but it gave the world a rare glimpse of a young heir under pressure

Lady Diana Spencer as a schoolteacher

Before she became Princess Diana, she was “Shy Di”—a young teacher already in the public eye. This rare photo from September 1980 shows her at St. George’s Square Kindergarten, caring for two children while being quietly courted by Prince Charles. Nobody knew then she was about to step into the global spotlight as the future Princess of Wales.

Princess Margaret with her nephew, the Prince of Wales

This candid snapshot from the summer of 1985 shows Princess Margaret with Prince Charles, Princess Diana, and a young Prince William. Diana is holding baby Prince Harry in her arms as the family prepares to board the Royal Yacht Britannia for a Western Isles tour. It’s a rare royal photo that perfectly captures the Windsors in a more relaxed, family moment.

Family fun at the water park

Here’s Diana at her best—just being “mum.” In this 1993 photo, she’s all smiles at Thorpe Park with her two boys, William and Harry. No titles, no formality—just pure family fun. If you love seeing this side of her, don’t miss these rarely seen photos of Princess Diana with Prince Harry

A somber moment after Diana’s death

One of the most heartbreaking royal images ever—just a week after Princess Diana’s sudden death on August 31, 1997, young Princes William and Harry are seen wiping away tears as they read tributes left in memory of their mum. It’s a raw, emotional reminder of the human side of the royal family.

Grandmum’s 80th birthday

Fast forward to 2006, when William and Harry attended the Thanksgiving service at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor for their grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II’s 80th birthday. This rare photo shows the brothers leaving the chapel, pausing in a quiet, respectful moment during the royal celebration.

Fergie’s girls

Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie—daughters of Prince Andrew, Duke of York, and Sarah Ferguson—don’t often get as much spotlight as other royals. But here’s a sweet throwback of the sisters at a ski resort in Switzerland when they were still young girls. They’ve always held a special place in the Queen’s heart, and it’s lovely to see them in these candid moments.

Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie in Miami

Cousins of Princes William and Harry, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, were spotted in Miami, Florida, in December 2017. It’s always fun to see the York sisters out of their usual royal settings, enjoying life far from Windsor or Buckingham Palace.

The Royal LOL

Not every royal moment is polished and serious. At the Global Ministerial Mental Health Summit in London (October 2018), Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, completely lost her composure and burst into laughter beside Prince William. It’s one of those rare candid photos that reminds us why she’s so loved—graceful yet relatable. And yes, she still manages to look every bit a style icon, often channeling Princess Diana vibes.

Royally cute at Eugenie’s wedding

October 12, 2018—Princess Eugenie’s wedding day at Windsor Castle. Just before the ceremony, her niece and nephew, Princess Charlotte and Prince George, stole the spotlight in the sweetest way. This adorable pre-ceremony moment is one of those rare royal family photos that shows the next generation of royals charming the world.

Meghan on Bondi Beach, freckles and all

During the royal tour of Australia in October 2018, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visited Sydney’s Bondi Beach. This candid snap of the Duchess of Sussex is a fan favorite, showing off her natural beauty—and those famous freckles she’s always been proud of. It’s a laid-back royal moment that perfectly captures the charm of the Sussexes.