Edward, Duke of Kent and Strathearn (1767–1820), was the father of Queen Victoria and the fourth son of George III (1738-1820) and Queen Charlotte (1744–1818). Here he is wearing field marshal's uniform, the ribbon and star of the Order of the Garter, the star of Bath and the badge of St Patrick. He spent his career in the army and was made a knight of the Order of the Garter in 1786. 

Sarah Biffin (1784-1850), the artist, came from Quantoxhead near Bridgewater. Her father was a farm labourer. She was born without hands, arms or feet, but taught herself to paint using her mouth to hold the brush. She toured the country with a Mr Duke who exhibited her work at fairs, according to her obituary in The Art Journal.  The Earl of Morton saw her at Bartholomew Fair and was so impressed with her work that he commissioned his own portrait, which he showed to King George III. The king ordered a tutor for her, and in 1821 she was awarded a silver medal for an historical miniature by the Society of Arts. She exhibited at the Royal Academy between 1821 and 1850 under her married name, Sarah Wright. George III, George IV, William IV, the duke and duchess of Kent, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, were all her patrons. Towards the end of her life she moved to Liverpool where she lived in much reduced circumstances after her husband left her, taking most of her money. She is mentioned in Charles Dickens' Little Dorrit, (chapter XVIII). Her epitaph described her 'versatile conversation and agreeable manner'.

The miniature may be a copy of a larger portrait, but no corresponding original is known. Signed and dated on the lower right: S. WRIGHT. 1839.