The man wot drives the sovereign

Caricaturists often criticised Wellington when he was Prime Minister for having too much control over the King. This much-copied image presents Wellington as a coach driver, with distinctive coat and long whip. Though his gesture of tipping his hat indicates submissiveness, his stern expression and
characteristically tight smile shows that he was resolved on his course, even if it meant forcing the hand of the sovereign. The Bill he holds represents the Catholic Emancipation Bill. Wellington had threatened to resign unless the King granted the Bill Royal Assent