Group photographed at the Vice-regal Lodge (now Áras an Uachtaráin) in Phoenix Park, Dublin c.1866.

The Lord Lieutenant, or Viceroy, was the monarch’s representative in Ireland. Officially, he presided over the administration of the country. In practice, the position was largely ceremonial, and real power following the Act of Union (1800) lay with the Chief Secretary, who was a member of Parliament in London and sometimes of the cabinet. The Viceroy’s offices were in Dublin castle; Vice-regal Lodge (now Áras an Uachtaráin) in Phoenix Park was his official residence. The Lord Lieutenant, James Hamilton, first Duke of Abercorn (1811–1885), is pictured seventh from the right.