Prince William is wearing a midshipman's uniform, with the ribbon and star of the Order of the Thistle. Mast ropes and shrouds are depicted behind him. This miniature is a slightly smaller copy of Jeremiah Meyer's portrait (RCIN 420970) of the Prince.

Prince William (1765-1837) joined the Royal Navy in 1779 aged 13, and was referred to affectionately by his brothers as 'our dear little blasted seaman' and earned him the nickname of 'The Sailor King' in later life. The original miniature, of which there are several copies, including this one, was probably painted to celebrate that occasion, before his ship, the Prince George, sailed for America.

The artist, Freiherr (Baron) Johann Heinrich von Hurter (1734-99), was born in Schaffhausen in Switzerland, settled in London about 1777 and exhibited at the Royal Academy from 1779 to 1781. He founded a factory for mathematical and other instruments and in later life split his time between London and Germany.

Inscribed in brown paint on the enamel reverse: Wm Henry 3th Son / of George III. King of / Great Britain. / J H Hurter pinx. De : 1780 (initials in monogram).