Son of a Perthshire laird, Sir Francis Grant was unusual in being largely self-taught. After spending a substantial inheritance on his great passions – hunting to hounds and collecting paintings, Grant decided to turn his considerable talents to professional use. Despite being one of the most sought after society portrait painters of his day and the only Scottish President of the Royal Academy in London, Queen Victoria observed 'He has decidedly much talent but it is the talent of an amateur'. However, Grant did find favour at court and received commissions by the Queen on several occasions during the 1840's.

The painting was probably originally intended to stand on a desk or table as the back is supported by a mahogany board with a hinged flap. The Princess is holding out a biscuit to Islay, the dog, while the Prince sits holding up his rattle. Early in 1843 Grant painted a portrait of the two children as a present from Prince Albert to his father. According to Lady Lyttleton, writing in the autumn of 1842, the paintings were 'all for birthday and Christmas surprises'.