This painting, along with a companion portrait of Francis, Duke of Teck (RCIN 407121),was painted for the sitters. Princess Mary Adelaide (1833-1897), Queen Victoria's cousin, was the youngest of the three children of Adolphus Frederick, Duke of Cambridge (1774–1850), son of George III, and his wife, Princess Augusta (1797–1889). In 1866 she married Prince Francis of Teck. She became known as a great philanthropist, giving away at least 20 per cent of her annual allowance of £5,000 granted by parliament. The many charities she supported included Dr Barnardo's, the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and the St John Ambulance Association. The painting was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1873.

Signed and dated: HW [in monogram] / 1873.