[1] [2] The widowed Maria Fitzherbert had entered into a clandestine marriage with George, Prince of Wales in 1785.

Although technically illegal due to the Royal Marriages Act, the couple lived together as husband and wife.

Despite this and his numerous affairs, George remained emotionally attached to his earlier marriage and was buried with a miniature of Maria Fitzherbert in 1830.

[4] Reynolds was President of the Royal Academy when he painted Fitzherbert.

Today the painting is on display in the National Portrait Gallery in London, having been lent from a private collection in 1976.