By James Gillray.
Two later states of this etching have title altered to read: The royal joke, or, Sawbridges delight; and: The royal minuet, or, Sawbridges delight.
Print shows a scene in Carlton House, where the Prince of Wales is holding Mrs. Sawbridge across his knees and spanking her while Alderman Sawbridge plays the fiddle and dances; from his pocket hangs a piece of music inscribed "The Reform, a new Motion". On the extreme left Lady Archer stands in profile to the right, holding a driving-whip, and pointing angrily at the injured lady. Miss Sawbridge stands clasping her hands in horror at the treatment of her mother. Behind are a number of onlookers: a very fat lady in profile to the left is Miss Vanneck. Mrs. Fitzherbert looks on with Fox, who has his arm round her shoulder. George Hanger stands in profile to the left.