According to the inscription on the back of the miniature, this portrait was begun during the princess’ engagement to William, Prince of Orange, but this was broken off in June 1814 after six months. Princess Charlotte became engaged to Prince Leopold in February 1816 and they were married in May. This portrait was finished between these two dates, probably in time for exhibition at the Royal Academy. It was the last portrait that Charlotte Jones (1768-1847) was able to paint from life. The miniature is one of a series of 12 portraits, all in the Royal Collection, depicting the princess from when she was a child to the commemorative portrait of 1818. Charlotte Jones collected the portraits after the princess's death in 1817, mounted them in a black and gold triptych and preserved them as a treasured family possession. They were recorded in the possession of the artist's descendants (Mrs Herbert Jones, The Princess Charlotte of Wales, p. 6-8) before being acquired for the Royal Collection in 1945.

Jones was a pupil of Richard Cosway. She worked in London and Manchester and exhibited at the Royal Academy between 1801 and 1823. She was appointed miniature painter to Princess Charlotte in 1808.

A paper on the back of the miniature is inscribed in ink: Her Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte of Wales / 1816 / Begun for her intended marriage with the Prince of Orange / Painted by Charlotte Jones / Miniature Painter by appointment / to Her Royal Highness.