Photograph of a tableau performed at Balmoral castle on the 5th October 1888 of a scene from 'St Elizabeth'. Princess Beatrice wears an Abbess's habit is seated in a chair, facing three-quarters to the left. She has a crucifix around her neck and is holding a Bible.

Elizabeth was a Hungarian Princess who was a member of the Third Order of St Francis and who died in 1231 aged 24. During her lifetime, she helped care for the sick and poor and built a hospital at Marburg. She was canonized in 1235 by Pope Gregory IX. Queen Victoria wrote in her journal, following the performance of the tableau that 'The tableaux were most successful, and really beautiful, in particular St Elizabeth, Novice, Rebecca & York. We had a small band from Aberdeen, which played well, & appropriate pieces, during, and between the Tableaux.' RA VIC/MAIN/QVJ (W) 5th October 1888

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.