Photograph of a tableau performed at Balmoral Castle titled The Novice. The performers include (from left to right): Princess Maud of Wales (1869-1938), later Queen of Norway who is seated at a harmonium; Princess Victoria of Wales (1868-1935); Princess Alix of Hesse (1872-1918), later Empress of Russia as the Novice and who stands wearing a white dress; Miss Robson with her hands clasped together; Princess Frederica of Hanover (1848-1926) as the Abbess who is seated whilst holding a crucifix and Princess Louise of Wales (1867-1931), later The Princess Royal who stands facing three-quarters to the left. The scene portrays the moment that the nuns initiate the novice.

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.'