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HRH William Henry, 1st Duke of Gloucester, c. 1775 (oil on canvas)
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HRH William Henry, 1st Duke of Gloucester, c. 1775 (oil on canvas)
5929302 HRH William Henry, 1st Duke of Gloucester, c.1775 (oil on canvas) by Gainsborough, Thomas (1727-88); National Army Museum, London; (add.info.: HRH William Henry, 1st Duke of Gloucester (1743-1805), 1775 (c).
Oil on canvas (unfinished) by Thomas Gainsborough (1727-88), 1775 (c).
The younger brother of King George III, Prince William Henry was created Duke of Gloucester and Edinburgh and Earl of Connaught in 1764. He wanted to pursue an active military career, but neither his physical stamina nor his mental capacity were sufficient to carry a commanderAs position on active service. Nevertheless, he became Colonel of the 13th Regiment of Foot in 1766, and of the 3rd Regiment of Foot Guards in 1767. He was promoted lieutenant-general and became Colonel of the 1st Regiment of Foot Guards in 1770. During the War of Bavarian Succession (1777-1779), he longed to serve under Prince Frederick (Later King Frederick II) of Prussia, but his request was declined. Gloucester was made a field marshal in 1793.
In 1766 Gloucester secretly married Maria, widow of James, 2nd Earl Waldegrave, without royal consent. This was concealed for six years until Maria became pregnant. The King banished the couple from court and they spent the next few years in Italy before Gloucester was restored to favour in 1780.
The Prince is depicted in the uniform of Colonel of the 1st Regiment of Foot Guards, wearing the ribbon and star of the Order of the Garter. It is the earliest known portrait of a member of the Royal Family in the uniform of colonel of a regiment. Unfinished, the painting remained in the artistAs studio until his death. It was subsequently purchased by the Prince Regent and given to Princess Sophia of Gloucester, eldest daughter of the sitter, in 1816.); eNational Army Museum; English, out of copyright
Media ID 22324440
© National Army Museum / Bridgeman Images
Order Of Chivalry Order Of The Garter
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases HRH William Henry, the 1st Duke of Gloucester, in all his regal glory. Painted by Thomas Gainsborough around 1775, this oil on canvas portrait captures the essence of a distinguished member of the Royal Family. As the younger brother of King George III, Prince William Henry held titles such as Duke of Gloucester and Edinburgh and Earl of Connaught. Although he desired an active military career, his physical stamina and mental capacity fell short for a commander's role on active service. Nonetheless, he served as Colonel in various prestigious regiments throughout his life. The painting depicts Prince William Henry dressed in the uniform of Colonel of the 1st Regiment of Foot Guards. Notably adorned with the ribbon and star of the Order of the Garter, it is also recognized as one of the earliest known portraits featuring a member from royalty wearing a colonel's uniform. Interestingly, this artwork remained unfinished during Gainsborough's lifetime and was later acquired by Prince Regent who gifted it to Princess Sophia of Gloucester in 1816. The portrait carries historical significance not only due to its subject but also because it reveals details about Prince William Henry's secret marriage to Maria without royal consent. Overall, this remarkable print offers viewers a glimpse into British history through an exquisite portrayal that encapsulates both power and vulnerability within HRH William Henry himself.
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