This miniature is a copy of Thomas Gainsborough's portrait of Prince Alfred (1780-82) (RCIN 401011) painted 'from remembrance' in 1782. Prince Alfred was the 14th child and ninth son of King George III and Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. He became ill after his inoculation with the smallpox virus. In June 1782, he was taken to Deal with his nurse, Lady Charlotte Finch, to recover, but the sea air did not improve his condition. When he returned to Windsor in August he had only a few weeks to live. According to Lady Charlotte, Queen Charlotte 'cried vastly' and was 'very much hurt by her loss and the King also'. Alfred's older brother Octavius died six months later after he too had been inoculated against smallpox. His miniature is also in the Royal Collection (RCIN 421970).

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 on the enamel reverse in black paint: Prince Alfred / born Sepr. 22d 1780 / died aug: 20 1782 / Hurter pinx : 1782, and on a paper label the number 7. The reverse of the locket contains a plait of fair hair and is engraved: Prince Alfred Born 22d Sepr 1780 / Died 20th Augt 1782 / Vive nel mio Cuor (He lives in my heart).