A watercolour by Queen Victoria's eldest daughter Victoria, Princess Royal. It depicts a scene in Charles Kean's production of Shakespeare's Richard II, showing the triumphant entry of Henry Bolingbroke (later Henry IV) into London following the abdication of Richard II. Kean inserted this 'historical episode' into his production of the play, basing it on the speech of the Duke of York in act V scene 2. York tells of the reception of Bolingbroke in London, recounting that 'all tongues cried 'God save thee, Bolingbroke!' / You would have thought the very windows spake, So many greedy looks of young and old / Through casements darted their desiring eyes / upon his visage'.  

The figure of Bolingbroke is shown in the centre, riding into London on horseback. He has removed his plumed hat and is holding it to his chest. His upper body is turned to the right, looking up towards female figures standing on a balcony. Great crowds are shown lining the streets, many reaching out to touch Bolingbroke or his horse. A female figure with a basket of flowers is shown to the lower left, scattering flowers in front of him.

Queen Victoria's children often made cards and drawings for their parents as gifts on important dates. This lively watercolour was presented to Queen Victoria for her birthday on 24 May 1857 by her eldest daughter Victoria, Princess Royal after she had seen Charles Kean’s production of Shakespeare’s Richard II in London in 1857. She recalled, ‘I do not know when a thing made such an impression on me.’