Photograph of a scene from the tableau vivant that was performed at Balmoral Castle in October 1888. Princess Friederike of Hanover, Baroness von Pawel-Rammingen in the role of Elsa von Brabant, stands in full length facing three-quarters to the right. She holds the edge of the robes that she is wearing with her right hand and wears a bejewelled crown.

The tableau is based on the Opera Lohengrin by Wagner. A tableau vivant or 'living picture', was a recreation of a painting or scene from history using actors who remained static for a number of minutes. The scenes were usually performed to musical accompaniment and scene changes were marked by the raising a lowering of a curtain. Queen Victoria was a very enthusiastic attendee of tableau performances and she often advised on costume choices and props. Those who performed in tableau at Balmoral were drawn from members of the royal family and royal household.