For a brief period in the early 19th century, Russian style was à la mode. This was the result of dynastic marriages and royal visits, as well as the Napoleonic Wars, which brought Russia into the centre of international politics through a web of allegiances.

This film looks at the so-called 'Russian' dress that belonged to Princess Charlotte, the only child of the future George IV and Queen Caroline, and a portrait of her wearing the dress. The portrait was one of the last of her taken from life, before her untimely death during childbirth at the age of just 21.