Headdress of Tarleton form, comprising a black leather skull and peak mounted with silver, with a black silk turban with silver chain, surmounted by crest of black fur and white feather plume. On the right of the skull a scroll in silver inscribed: ICH DIEN, with the base of a crown and three feathers. At the junction of peak and skull a silver band embossed X and PRINCE OF WALES' OWN.

In 1782 George, Prince of Wales (later George IV), was appointed Colonel Commandant of the Tenth Light Dragoons, thereafter known as 'The Prince of Wales's Own'. His pride in the Dragoons was such that in 1793 he spent his thirty-first birthday with the regiment, then encamped at Brighton. Although he was forbidden by his father, George III, to bear arms on active service, he channelled his interest into collecting and into the design of military dress and accoutrements. As Colonel Commandant, and later Colonel, of the 10th Light Dragoons, patterns of uniforms and equipment were submitted to the Prince for approval, many of which he retained at Carlton House.

The Tarleton cap was named after Sir Banastre Tarleton who designed and wore it during the wars of the American Revolution. It is likely that the Prince Regent wore this cap for a painting by Sir William Beechey of 'George III at a Review', of 1798.