This photograph features a lovely couple out for a stroll on a faux patio at the Hellis & Sons studio in London, England. The couple are beautifully dressed. The man looks quite dapper in his three piece suit and derby hat. He is accessorized by a flower in his lapel and a handkerchief in his jacket’s breast pocket. The woman is wearing a fancy hat and corsage. She is carrying a parasol to protect herself from the sun. Advertising on the reverse of the photograph (see scan below) indicates that this cabinet card was produced in one of the studio’s seven branches and the studio had been in existence for over forty years. Robert Hellis (1835-1895) operated the most studio branches of all photographers in nineteenth century London. Hellis was also known for his skillful work hosting magic seances for evening parties in London. Advertising on the reverse of the cabinet card indicates that Hellis was the official photographer for the Akbaloddowla, ex King of Oude. One researcher on the internet wrote about the king and his kingdom. He notes that Oude was a small kingdom located about three miles from Calcutta. The King had two wives and another 159 women for recreation and procreation. It is reported that in 1874 the King had 56 children. My preliminary research confirms the existence of the state of Oude. Research also confirms that there was an individual named Akbaloddowla who credited himself as being an ex king but I can not confirm the veracity of that claim. SOLD
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 
Hi, most likely a wedding photo. Ron