Charlotte Sophia of Mecklenburg-Strelitz (1744 - 1818) married George III of England in 1761. She sat to Lawrence in the autumn of 1789, but did so unwillingly, having recently undergone the shock of George III's first attack of apparent insanity. The pearl bracelets on Queen Charlotte's wrists were part of the king's wedding gift to her; one clasp contains his portrait miniature, the other his royal monogram. Although Lawrence's portrait was considered to be very like Queen Charlotte, it failed to please the king and queen and remained in the artist's possession. It was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1790.
