Painted by Sir William Ross in Lisbon in December 1852, a year before Pedro succeeded his mother Maria II, as Pedro V, King of Portugal, at the age of sixteen. The Duke of Braganza is depicted in Portuguese general's uniform with the Star of the Triple Order of Portugal and the neck ribbon and badge of the Order of the Golden Fleece. His short reign showed him to be a monarch of enormous promise; he worked unceasingly in the fight against the epidemics of cholera and yellow fever which plagued Lisbon during his reign, and died of typhoid in 1861 having refused to leave the capital for his own safety. Queen Victoria wrote: ‘it is an irreparable loss for the country, by whom he was adored, & for his family … He was so highly gifted, talented, virtuous, excellent, hard-working & devoted to duty. My beloved Albert was so fond of him, loved him like a son, & had unbounded confidence in him’ (RA QVJ: 12 November 1861). Signed, dated and inscribed on the reverse in ink: Don Pedro / Prince Royal / of Portugal / eldest son of / D a. Maria II d / and King Ferd d. of / Portugal b. Sept.:16-1837 / painted by Sir Wm. / Ross – 1852