Princess Sophia was George IV’s favourite sister and he commissioned this portrait together with that of her sister, Princess Mary which also hangs in the Green Drawing Room at Windsor. Sophia was the fifth daughter of George III and Queen Charlotte. She was not physically strong, suffering from repeated bouts of ill health and becoming blind towards the end of her life. Painted when the princess was nearly fifty, it is tempting to suggest that Lawrence was being sympathetic towards his sitter. The princess adopts a pose of languor, but the vibrant red of her dress and the youthful pallor of her skin serve to dispel the image of Princess Sophia as an invalid. Subtle indication of her frailty is perhaps achieved by the handkerchief clutched in her left hand and the eyeglass tucked into her waist. Although George III had appointed Lawrence Principal Painter in 1792, it was under George IV’s patronage that his reputation flourished. The miniature of George IV that hangs from Princess Sophia’s left shoulder as well as indicating the mutual affection between brother and sister, also serves as an acknowledgement by Lawrence of his gratitude towards his patron.