In 1623, when still Prince of Wales, Charles I made an unannounced visit to Madrid to seek the hand in marriage of the King of Spain's daughter, the Infanta Maria. He returned later in the year empty-handed. This painting is intended to look on the bright side of this episode by celebrating the Prince's safe return. The fleet has just reached Portsmouth, which they did on the 5 october 1623. The fort on the right fires a welcome salute. The 'Prince Royal' leads, flying the Royal Standard, followed by other named ships. Another version of this composition is at the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich. The first record of this painting, at Oatlands Palace, attributes it to 'young Froome'. If this is correct, it could refer to Hendrick's son, Cornelis Vroom (1591-1661), only now known as a landscape painter, or possibly Frederick Vroom (d. 1667), who did paint seascapes though none survive.