Photograph of the tableaux vivant 'India' performed at Balmoral Castle on the 6 October 1888. Pictured is Princess Beatrice standing in full length, facing three-quarters to the left. She wears long robes that also cover her head and stands on a leopard skin rug. A richly decorated carpet hangs in the background.  

This work is connected to Colonialism and Imperialism and reflects the attitudes of the late nineteenth century. On the day that this tableau was performed, the 6th October 1888, Queen Victoria wrote in her diary that it was 'very gorgeous and effective. Beatrice impersonated the Indian Empire, draped most correctly in beautiful stuffs which Abdul [Karim] had helped to arrange & wearing quantities of my Indian Jewellery...One of the Servants made a salaam in front of Beatrice, presenting a golden plate to her.' RA VIC/MAIN/QVJ (W) 6th October 1888.