SIR WILLIAM BEECHEY, R.A. (BURFORD, OXFORDSHIRE 1753-1839 LONDON) Portrait of William Frederick (1776-1834), 2nd Duke of Gloucester and Edinburgh, in uniform as Colonel of the 3rd Foot Guards, with the Star of the Garter oil on canvas 30 x 24 7/8 in. (76.2 x 63.2 cm.) William Frederick was the great grandson of King George II. He began a career in the army in the First Foot Guards at the age of thirteen and was promoted rapidly through the ranks during his active service, distinguishing himself for his enthusiasm and bravery. He attained the rank of Field Marshal in 1816 at the age of forty. That same year, William married his first cousin Princess Mary; the marriage did not produce any children. George III financed William’s education at Trinity College, Cambridge, which he completed in 1790. Upon his father’s death in 1805, William inherited the titles Duke of Gloucester and Edinburgh and Earl of Connaught. He held the position of Chancellor of the University of Cambridge from 1811 until his death. The incongruity between William’s academic career and his renowned lack of intelligence – he was known publicly by the nickname ‘Silly Billy’ – combined with a somewhat comical appearance made him a popular subject amongst the cartoonists and caricaturists of the age, including the renowned James Gillray.