William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland

William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland (1721-1765), General; third son of George II.

William Augustus was King George II's second surviving son and his parent's favourite. Although only seven, he is shown here as a miniature adult wearing the red and ermine robes of state, his recently awarded Order of the Bath, and holding his crown. In this ceremonial portrait, his identity is not that of an individual child but of a state official - the Duke of Cumberland and first Knight of the Bath. Nevertheless, his tender years show through in his plump cheeks and slightly nervous expression. More detailed information on this portrait is available in a National Portrait Gallery collection catalogue, John Kerslake's Early Georgian Portraits (1977, out of print).