Photograph of the tableau Vivant 'Elsa' recreating a scene from the Opera Lohengrin by Wagner and performed at Balmoral Castle. The performers are (from left to right): Princess Frederica of Hanover as Elsa von Brabant; Miss Moore and Miss Robson as Torchbearers; Miss Minnie Cochrane as Ortrud seated and Prince Henry of Battenberg as Telramund who wears a winged Viking helmet.

The scene recreates Telramund's unrequited love for Elsa. 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.