[1] After briefly serving as Foreign Secretary in 1806-07 during the Ministry of All the Talents he was in opposition for many years.

He effectively functioned as its leader during the Regency era closely allied with Lord Grenville.

Grey took a prominent role for the defence during the Trial of Queen Caroline in the House of Lords the same year as the painting.

He headed the government for four years passing through the Great Reform Act and the Abolition of Slavery.

[2] Grey was also notably painted by Thomas Lawrence, a work that now hangs at Howick Hall.