Photograph of the tableau Novice performed at Balmoral Castle with the players (from left to right): Princess Maud of Wales (1869-1938), later Queen of Norway seated; Princess Victoria of Wales (1868-1935), standing holding the lace train to Princess Alix of Hesse (1872-1918), later Alexandra Feodorovna, who is having her hair cut by the Abbess whilst kneeling on a chair. She is holding a bible which she studies. The Abbess is played by Princess Frederica of Hanover (1848-1926), second from the right. On the right is Princess Louise of Wales (1867-1931), later the Princess Royal, kneeling and holding a small ?sword. Standing in the centre, looking on is Miss Robson (governess to Princess Margaret of Connaught).

Princess Beatrice's husband, Prince Henry of Battenberg, revived the taste for performances of tableaux vivants at Royal residences including Balmoral Castle where this photograph was taken. These 'living pictures' were performed by members of the royal family and royal household and consisted of two poses usually shown twice. Music was often performed during the performance and Queen Victoria was often instrumental in editing scripts and advising on costumes. Queen Victoria praised the performance of the tableaux on the evening of the 5th October, writing in her journal that they 'were most successful.'