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1 of 253523 objects
John (Inigo) Wright (d. 1820)
Edward, Duke of Kent (1767-1820) c.1794-5
Watercolour on ivory | 5.9 x 4.8 cm (sight) | RCIN 421041
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Prince Edward, Duke of Kent and Strathearn (1767–1820), was the father of Queen Victoria and the fourth son of George III (1738-1820) and Queen Charlotte (1744–1818). Here he is wearing the uniform of major-general of the Grenadier Guards with the star of the Order of the Garter. He spent his career in the army and was made a Knight of the Order of the Garter in 1786. He was posted to Canada in 1791 and was the first member of the royal family to reside in North America for a prolonged period and the first prince to visit the United States since independence, travelling through Boston and New York. Prince Edward Island was named after him. The prince was promoted to major-general in 1793, distinguished himself in command of a brigade of Grenadiers in the West Indies and received the thanks of Parliament in 1794. The miniature may have been created to commemorate this occasion.
After a fall from his horse he returned to England in 1798. In 1818, he married Victoria Mary Louisa of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld (1786–1861) and their daughter Victoria was born the following year. He died of pneumonia in 1820 and was buried in St George's Chapel, Windsor, on 11 February.
The artist, John (Inigo) Wright (died 1820), exhibited at the Royal Academy between 1795 and 1819. He was married twice and had a son by his first wife. He committed suicide in 1820.
Set in a gold locket with plaited hair in the back and the initial E below a crown on blue enamel. -
Creator(s)
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Medium and techniques
Watercolour on ivory
Measurements
5.9 x 4.8 cm (sight)
7.8 x 5.5 cm (frame, external)
Category
Object type(s)