During a break in his naval service, Prince William Henry (created Duke of Clarence in 1789) was sent on the Grand Tour by his parents, George III and Queen Charlotte. On 31 July 1783 he sailed from Greenwich: 'About half-after twelve the Prince embarked on board the Princess Augusta Yacht, Captain George Vandeput, which fell down the river the same tide; and, on the 1st of August, arrived at Stadt, where his Royal Highness was waited upon by the Regency and citizens, with every mark of respect'.

Cleveley, who was a longstanding protege of Vandeput, is listed in the supernumaries aboard the yacht as 'assistant to clerk of the kitchen' in the Royal Household suite. The drawing is signed and dated 1785.