In 1642, at the age of 12, the future Charles II commanded a troop in York, wearing what was described as “a very curious guilt armour”. This is probably the cuirassier armour he wears here, which still survives in the Tower of London. It is of an earlier date than the painting and was originally made for Charles I in 1616. Such full armour was becoming cumbersome for modern combat and was increasingly replaced by the buff coat.