As Earl of Cardigan, George Brudenell married in 1730 Mary, younger daughter of the 2nd Duke of Montagu, and assumed the name Montagu on the Duke's death in 1749; created Marquess of Monthermer and Duke of Montagu, 1766. He was created Knight of the garter (1752) and appointed Constable of Windsor Castle. An early patron of Beechey, the Duke wears in this portrait Windsor uniform and the Garter Star. The artist painted three repetitions of this portrait.
PROVENANCE by descent from the sitter