The three women are seen looking downwards, from an interior balcony (at the top of a staircase known as the Gothic staircase). The balustrade and the ceiling above them are decorative; carved, gilded and panelled. Large paintings or tapestries are partly seen on the wall in the background. Two wall-mounted lamps with flame-shaped shades, light the shadowy space behind them. Both Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret look towards the camera, while Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother looks at her daughters. The scene is generally dark, but with strong lighting below the balcony; their faces are illuminated.