In the autumn of 1839 Queen Victoria had confided her intention to Queen Louise of the Belgians to have the Princes of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha painted by William Ross. Her aunt responded: 'I am very glad to hear that you are determined to have Ernst and Albert painted by Ross: for he is certainly in his genre the best painter that I know of now'. Ross painted the Hereditary Prince's portrait when he accompanied Prince Albert to England for his marriage to Queen Victoria, staying from 8 February until 9 May 1840. He was depicted wearing German general officer's uniform with the collar of the Guelphic Order, the neck badge of the Order of Malta and the star and badge of the Order of Saxe-Ernest. One of his sittings, on 22 February, was observed by the Queen. She compared him unfavourably to his brother Prince Albert, commenting to Lord Melbourne: 'I said I didn't think Ernest handsome, though I thought him well looking; "He's very particular looking" said Lord M.; "he looks like an old Knight", – which is true, and wears his hair oddly' (Journal, 22 November 1839).

Signed, dated and inscribed on the reverse in ink: Ernest.II. / Duke of Saxe Coburg & Gotha / Sir W. Ross. / Pinxit / 1840