National Galleries of Scotland

Charlotte married George, Prince of Wales, in September 1761. A fortnight later they were crowned at Westminster Abbey and their coronation portraits commissioned from Ramsay, who had recently succeeded John Shackleton as Principle Painter in Ordinary. Charlotte is seen in a similar setting to her husband, with classical columns and rich drapery. In coronation robes of gold and ermine to match George, she gestures towards the crown. This version is by Ramsay?s studio ? the replication of state portraits for heads of state, colonial governors, ambassadors etc, was a common occurrence during this time. There are subtle differences between the copies. Ramsay?s earliest version shows Charlotte wearing a pearl necklace, whereas later portraits, such as this, feature a gem encrusted necklace.