This is a copy, by William John Thomson (1771/3-1845), of the portrait of Queen Charlotte attributed to George Place at Stanton Harcourt Manor, believed to have been given to Lord Harcourt by Queen Charlotte herself. It probably derives from a portrait by Sir William Beechey, who had been appointed portrait painter to the queen in 1793. The image was very popular and copied in miniature to give as presents.

Thomson was born in Savannah, Georgia in the United States. His father was a government official, who returned to Britain, bringing his son with him. His family home was in Edinburgh and he exhibited miniatures, portraits and landscapes in London and Edinburgh from 1795 to 1843. He was offered, but declined, a knighthood.

The miniature is signed on the lower right in black paint: W J Thomson.