Photograph of King George V (1865-1936) when Duke of York standing facing the viewer and wearing fancy dress costume in the 16th Century style. On his right stands Queen Mary (1867-1953) when Duchess of York also standing, facing the viewer and wearing a pearl necklace with Warwick sun brooch. On her bodice she wears the necklace that was a wedding gift from the 'Ladies of England'. She also wears the Kensington Bow brooch and the Dorset Bow brooch.

The Devonshire Ball was a famous ball held to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Queen Victoria's reign, and was arranged by the Duchess of Devonshire (1832-1911) at her London home in Piccadilly on 2 July 1887. More than 700 guests were invited, to be dressed in allegorical or historical costume before 1815. Many guests were photographed on the night of the ball, in a special photographic studio tent erected in the grounds, set up by James (Lauder) Lafayette. Other guests were photographed after the event, some in the new London studio of Lafayette or in the home of individual sitters, or by other photographers. A commemorative album was produced two years later and the ball was discussed and remembered for many years afterwards.