The sitter was the second son and eventual heir of Charles Howard of Greystoke, and great-grandson of Henry Frederick, Earl of Arundel (1608-1652). He succeeded to the Dukedom on the death without issue of his second cousin Edward, 9th Duke in 1777. He married Catherine (d.1784), daughter and coheir of John Brockholes of Claughton, co. Lancaster. He was succeeded by his eldest son Charles.