George IV was the first sovereign to visit Scotland (15-27 August 1822) since Charles I, and here the King is portrayed on his return being rowed to the watergate of Greenwich Hospital. He has disembarked from the 'Royal George' yacht, which the artist has portrayed at anchor. Two ceremonial London barges can be seen in the foreground, that on the right bears the shield of the City of London on the stern a small band of musicians on the roof of the coach. A crowd is lining the waterfront to witness the King's return. He had also sailed from Greenwich.