Charles I as Prince of Wales

Charles I (1600-1649) was created Prince of Wales in 1616 and became king in 1625. He wears decorations from England's ancient order of chivalry, the Order of the Garter - the pendant (depicting Saint George slaying the dragon) on a blue riband around his neck, and below his left knee, the Garter. Charles was a major patron of the arts, employing the leading artists and forming one of the finest collections of paintings of his day. Mytens was responsible for the official royal portraits until the arrival of Van Dyck in 1632.