Balmoral Tableaux-Vivants: Charles Edward
6 Oct 1888RCIN 2980111
Many of the tableaux performed at Balmoral Castle were based on royal ancestors. One of the best-known figures in Scotland was Charles Edward Stuart or ‘Bonnie Prince Charlie’. According to Willy Clarkson, who provided wigs and costumes for the performances, many of the garments worn for the historical tableaux had actually belonged to those portrayed. However, it is uncertain if Prince Albert Victor (1864–92), who played the ill-fated prince, was wearing Prince Charles Edwards’ actual tartans. Princess Victoria of Wales (1868–1935) played the part of Flora MacDonald; guarding the prince are Walter Douglas Campbell (1840–1919) and Baron Von Pawel-Rammingen (1843–1932), both of whom wear Tam O’ Shanter hats. Following the performance, Queen Victoria recorded in her journal that ‘Pce Charlie was extremely pretty and correct, Mr Walter Campbell being wonderfully got up.’