Sir Pratap Singh (1844-1922) was the third son of Sir Takhat Singh, Maharaja of Jodhpur. He was known in his lifetime as a courageous soldier and a fine administrator and sportsman. In 1878, after his brother became Maharaja, he served as Prime Minister and enacted many fundamental reforms in the Marwar state, of which he was Regent three times. In 1887 he carried the congratulations of Jodhpur on the occasion of Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee and was received by the Queen. He represented Jodhpur again at the Diamond Jubilee in 1897. His polo team was champion in India in 1893 and played in England in 1897 – the first Indian team to play on British soil.

As Aide-de-camp to Edward VII when he was Prince of Wales, he received a number of royal visitors to India, including the Duke of Clarence in 1897 and the Prince of Wales in 1921. In 1914 he placed the resources of his state at the service of the King and saw action in France himself during the First World War. 

Among the various photographs and paintings of the sitter in the Royal Collection is Sydney Prior Hall's portrait in which Sir Pratap wears Durbar dress decorated with the badge of the Order of the Star of India (RCIN 403598).