The picture was taken at Sandringham in 1905 where Edward and Bertie were helping build a new reservoir. The royal family by this time wanted to picture itself in a very different way from that which royalty had wanted to be seen in the past.

The image that royal families sought to project from time immemorial was one of majesty, to set itself off from the common people. Sumtory laws were common. Ceratain colors such as purple or furs like ermine were reserved to the royal or imperial family. This changed with Victoria and the 19th century. Victoria and Albert sought to position theselves very differently. The sailor suits based on the uniform of enlisted personnel was one example of this. Another example was the princes were seen in roles that ordinary boys might be involoved. The the princes were photographed rolling up theie sleeves and working (allbeit in Norfolk suits and Eton collars).

One HBC contributor writes, "As you can see, the no doubt hot and sweaty princes have been allowed to roll up their sleeves, but tweed jackets stay tightly buttoned up and stiff white Eton collars remain in place about their necks. The royal family no doubt had to set an example to the lower orders!"

Created: February 14, 2001
Last updated: February 18, 2001