Charles, Prince of Leiningen (1804-56), was the son of the Duchess of Kent, Queen Victoria's mother, and her first husband, Prince Emich Charles of Leiningen. He was Victoria's much loved half-brother. In 1848, he became head of foreign affairs in the German empire. On his death, Queen Victoria mourned him deeply, writing: 'how impossible it is to realise the dreadful thought that I shall never see his dear, dear face again in this world'.

This miniature was painted by Louis-Ami Arlaud-Jurine (1751-1829) when he was 70 years old and living in Geneva. A copy by Johann Heinrich Ludwig Müller inscribed: 1821 painted at Geneva by Arlaud, copied by Müller, is also in the Royal Collection (RCIN 420727). Arlaud was born in Geneva. He was taught by Jean-Étienne Liotard then went to Paris and studied under Vivien, the historical painter. He visited Italy, and returned to Geneva in 1778. Arlaud worked in England from 1792-1802 and was fond of fencing, riding and playing the violin.