1. King Charles I’s wife, Queen Henrietta Maria, was said to be French, Catholic and trouble. King Charles I was a very short man. The pillar behind draws the eye upwards and makes him look taller. The baby is Princess Mary. She and her brother are wearing tight fitting hats called biggins. The Palace of Whitehall is painted in the background. The symbols of kingship are on the velvet covered table – the crown, sceptre and orb. The two dogs symbolise (mean) loyalty. Prince Charles (later King Charles II) is only 2 years old in this picture. Little boys wore dresses until they were about 4 – sometimes older. King Charles I and his Family This is a copy of one of Van Dyke’s paintings. The original hangs in Goodwood House. Click Backbutton to return to Aston Hall main page