In 1804, a new yacht was launched for George III of England , the Royal Sovereign. Unfortunately, due to his advanced age and metal instability, the king never set foot on the vessel after 1805. This model may have been built for him before the ship was completed, to explain the details of her furnishings. It may also have been a royal toy in later years, a reminder of happier times afloat. The ship served as a royal yacht until 1832; she was then decommissioned and used a depot ship until she was broken up in 1850.

The model is made of boxwood and fruitwood with plank-on-frame construction. The model is unrigged. The sides of the model are painted light gray, trimmed in gilt, red, and blue. There is a bust of man (possibly George III) figurehead topped by a solid gold crown. The long quarterdeck is covered with a painted faded fabric showing a faint checkered design possibly representing a rug deck covering. The deck of the model is removable in the quarterdeck and forward sections to display the detailed interior arrangement including galley, sitting room, dining saloon, bedchamber, water closets circular ladders to lower deck, and other accommodations. Canopied bed surmounted by gold crown matching that of figurehead. In addition to furnishings, decorations, and utensils, there are several figures representing passengers and crew. The model is encased in a mahogany-frame, nave-shape contemporary case with a silver crown atop each corner. The case ends are removable. The model is cribbing-mounted on authentic launching ways. Masts, spars, and yards are in wooden containers fitted to either side of the ways.

The model is extraordinary for its detailed representation of both the exterior and the interior of the vessel. There are very few records that describe the interiors of ships in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The few that do survive suggest that the furnishings were more elaborate and luxurious than might have been supposed. Of course, a royal vessel would have been elaborate indeed. Of special note are fabric wall coverings, carpeting, paintings, and highly embellished furniture. A gold crown surmounts the king's bed. Even less common than descriptions of the living accommodations are those of work areas. The fully fitted galley is thus of special interest, as are the various arrangements made for sanitation and bathing.