[1][2] Shee had succeeded his fellow portrait painter Thomas Lawrence as President of the Royal Academy in 1830.

Following the death of his elder brother George IV William became king in 1830, reigning for seven years.

The portrait shows William IV in his robes as a member of the Order of the Garter, with Windsor Castle in the background.

His hand rests on the hilt of a sword with the St Edward's Crown and sceptre on a cushion.

Originally the King intended to send the painting to the Anglo-Irish politician Richard, Marquess Wellesley, who was then serving as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.