A pen and ink sketch of figures paying homage to George IV; probably a study for Wilkie's oil painting The Entrance of George IV at Holyroodhouse. Mounted on buff-coloured paper and inscribed on the mount: 'W', 'D' and 'Entry of George IV into Holyrood'.

This sketch of George IV appears to be related to Wilkie's painting The Entrance of George IV at Holyroodhouse (RCIN 401107). The King, standing, is being presented with the keys to the Palace of Holyroodhouse by the hereditary Keeper, Alexander, 10th Duke of Hamilton (1767-1852). George IV succeeded his father as King in 1820 and in August 1822 was the first reigning monarch to visit Scotland since Charles II. George IV arrived at Holyroodhouse in the afternoon of 15 August 1822. Wilkie travelled to Scotland to record that event, which he also described as an eye-witness: ‘I saw the King alight; he had not much colour, but upon the whole was looking well. He was dressed in the field marshal’s uniform, with a green ribbon of the Order of the Thistle. He was received by the Dukes of Hamilton and Montrose’. However, it was not until 1823 that Wilkie seriously turned his mind to executing the painting and it occupied him intermittently until about 1830. Other sketches in the Royal Collection for the painting are RCINs 409055, 913593, 914769, 917626, 917775 and 917877.b.