George IV (1762-1830) when Prince of Wales

Beechey’s dashing military portrait was one of George’s favourites. It shows him in the uniform of the 10th Light Dragoons, the regiment of which he was given nominal command in 1793. Despite George’s military ambitions, as heir to the throne he was forbidden an army career, a restriction which caused him much frustration. This version was commissioned by George as a gift for his brother Edward, Duke of Kent.

Commissioned in 1803