The two men seen here were cousins and 'half-nephews' of Queen Victoria: Ernest's father and Victor's mother were children of Queen Victoria's mother, the Duchess of Kent, by a previous marriage. Both men entered the Royal Navy through the influence of Queen Victoria. You can see the shape of a mast and sail in the background between them. Prince Ernest, on the right in naval uniform, received a gold medal from the Turkish government for distinguished service on the Danube and both cousins served in the Baltic. Prince Ernest was made Commander of the Royal Yacht in 1858 but was involved in a collision with a schooner in 1875, while he was escorting the Queen from Cowes to Portsmouth. Nevertheless, in 1887 he was promoted to Admiral. Prince Victor had a distinguished career at sea and was recommended for the Victoria Cross but had to retire on half-pay in 1866, due to ill health. He was appointed Governor and Constable of Windsor Castle. He turned his attention to sculpture and set up a studio near his apartment in St James’s Palace. His works include a large statue of King Alfred at Wantage.