#romanov diaries and letters

[krasivaa]

HAPPY 128TH BIRTHDAY TO GRAND DUCHESS OLGA NIKOLAEVNA ROMANOVA OF RUSSIA!! 🧡🤍

Dear Olishka,

I WISH YOU A HAPPIEST BIRTHDAY!!! Hope you are in a better place now. I believe you are somewhere where your pure heart no longer experiences pain. We will meet someday; if it's God's will. You're forever in our hearts (you and Pavel 🤭). Here is an cute edit I made dedicated using CapCut to the first love of yours, S. (as you mentioned him in your diaries) 🤎 Send my greetings to everyone up there ;) (Anastasia we talked about it!!!)

Yours with my whole heart and soul,

Didi (and every obsessed fan 😩).

[foreverinthepagesofhistoryy]

~ ♔ ꧁ OTMA ꧂ ♔ ~

❧ “In the darkness of the mystery which surrounds the fate of these innocent children it is with poignant emotion that I recall them as they appeared, so full of life and joy, in those distant, yet incredibly near, days before the World War and the downfall of Imperial Russia.”

❧ “Olga was perhaps the cleverest of them all, her mind being so quick to grasp ideas, so absorbent of knowledge that she learned almost without application or close study. Her chief characteristics, I should say, were a strong will and a singularly straightfor, ward habit of thought and action.”

❧ “Tatiana was almost a perfect reincarnation of her mother. Taller and slenderer than her sisters, she had the soft, refined features and the gentle, reserved manners of her English ancestry. Kindly and sympathetic of disposition, she displayed towards her younger sisters and her brother such a protecting spirit that they, in fun, nicknamed her "the governess."

❧ “Marie had splendid eyes and rose-red cheeks. She was inclined to be stout and she had rather thick lips which detracted a little from her beauty. Marie had a naturally sweet disposition and a very good mind.”

❧ “Anastasia, a sharp and clever child, was a very monkey for jokes, some of them at times almost too practical for the enjoyment of others. I remember once when the family was in their Polish estate in winter the children were amusing themselves at snowballing. The imp which sometimes seemed to possess Anastasia led her to throw a stone rolled in a snowball straight at her dearly loved sister Tatiana. The missile struck the poor girl fairly in the face with such force that she fell senseless to the ground. The grief and horror of Anastasia lasted for many days and permanently cured her of her worst propensities to practical jokes.”

- Anna Vyrubova (friend and personal confidante of Empress Alexandra Feodorovna)

[otmaaromanovas]

Shortly before the Romanov Tercentenary celebrations in February 1913, Grand Duchess Tatiana Nikolaevna contracted typhoid, and spent much of February and March recovering.

On 21st February 1913 [O.S.] Tatiana wrote after an event in St. Petersburg that she had “a headache the entire time”. By the 24th, she had been confined to bed, and had to be carried by soldiers when the family returned to Tsarskoe Selo. From there, she was quarantined with Alexandra Tegleva, her nursemaid. Tatiana’s big sister, Olga Nikolaevna, wrote daily in her diary about Tatiana’s health, including her temperature, symptoms, and time they spent together.

A common treatment after illness was to shave the head, as hair tended to fall out following a serious illness. On 5 March [O.S], Olga wrote in her diary that she sat with Tatiana, “who had her hair cut short.“

Tatiana wore a wig until December 1913, when Alexandra wrote to her brother and sister-in-law that “Tatiana’s hair has grown nice and thick, which means she no longer needs to wear a wig.” Some have claimed that Tatiana was embarrassed about her cropped hair, but the Grand Duchesses’ photograph albums illustrate a different view, that she was comfortable removing her wig around family, friends, and officers, as shown in these photos (see the first photograph of Tatiana taking off her wig on the Standart whilst on holiday in 1913).

On 26 March 1913 [O.S.], Tatiana wrote in her diary “Could not write because got sick with Typhoid and they [doctors] forbade me to write.” By April, she had fully recovered in time for the Tercentenary.

Sources: Journal of a Russian Grand Duchess: Complete Annotated 1913 Diary of Olga Romanov - H. Azar Tatiana Romanov, Daughter of the Last Tsar: Diaries and Letters, 1913–1918 - H. Azar, N. B. A. Nicholson The Correspondence Of The Empress Alexandra Of Russia With Ernst Ludwig And Eleonore - P. H. Kleinpenning

[foreverinthepagesofhistory]

Anna Vyrubova’s nieces (children of sister Alya Vyrubova), Tatiana “Tanichka”, Olga, and Alexandra + Olga with Tanichka(?)

“Then we went to Anya's where we bathed and put to bed her three nieces, Alya’s daughters. Tatiana (the eldest, my goddaughter), Olga and Alexandra.”

— Diary entry of Grand Duchess Tatiana Nikolaevna, 24th July 1914

(ps. I’m not sure if the third photo is of Tanichka because I saw it labeled as a “small friend” but it looks like Tanichka so pls comment what you think and feel free to correct me!)

[queenalexandraofdenmark]

Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna to Tsar Nicholas II

November 21st, 1917.

The last letter Nicky ever got from his mother.

" My dear Nicky,

I have just received your letter of October 27th which has filled me with joy. I cannot find words to  express my feelings and thank you with all my heart, my dear.

You know that my thoughts and prayers never leave you, I think of you day and night and sometimes feel so sick at heart that I believe I cannot bear it any longer. But God is merciful, He will give us strength for this terrible ordeal. Thank goodness you are allwell and that at least you live together and in comfort. A year has gone by already since you and darling Alexei came to see me at Kieff. Who could have thought then of all that was in store for us, and what

we should have to go through. It is unbelievable. I live only in my memories of the happy past and try as much as possible to forget the present nightmare. Misha has also written to me about your last meeting in the presence of witnesses and [illegible] and of your ghastly and revolting departure.

I received your first dear letter of September 19th and apologise for not having been able to answer it before, but Xenia will have explained the reason to you.

I am sorry you are not allowed to go for walks, I know how necessary it is for you and the dear children; it is an incomprehensible cruelty!

I have quite recovered from a long and tedious illness and am able to go out again after two months.

The weather is beautiful, especially during the last few days. We live very modestly and quietly and see nobody, as we are not allowed to leave the estate, which is a great nuisance.

It is a blessing I am with Xenia, Olga and the grandchildren, who dine with me by turns every day. My new grandson Tikhon is a source of joy to us all. He grows bigger and fatter every day and is such a darling, so charming and quiet. It is a pleasure to see how happy Olga is, and how delighted she is with her baby which she had hoped for for such a long time.

They live very snugly above the cellar. She and Xenia come to see me every morning, and we have our cocoa together, as we are always hungry. It is so difficult to get provisions, white bread and butter are the things I miss most, but sometimes I get some sent by kind people: Papa Felix [Yusupov, senior] sends crabs and butter for which I am very grateful.

Prince Shervashidze arrived a little while ago. It is very pleasant to have him as he is a great asset,

always in good spirits and amusing and so glad to be here and to have a rest after Petersburg where it was so awful.

I am very glad to get those dear letters from Alix and my granddaughters who all write so nicely. I thank and kiss them all.

We always think and talk about you. It is so sad to be separated, not to see one another, not to be able to talk.

I get letters from Aunt Alix and Waldemar [her sister and brother] from time to time, but they are so slow in coming and I just sit and wait. I long for news.

[Last phrase is in English]

I well understand how you must enjoy re reading your old letters and diaries, although those memories of a happy past rouse deep sorrow in the heart. I have not even got that consolation, for mine were all taken away from me in the spring when they searched the house   all your letters, all those I received at Kieff, the children's letters, three diaries, etc., etc., and nothing has been returned yet, which is revolting, and for what reason, if I may ask?

Today is November 2nd, dear Misha's birthday. I believe he is still in town, God grant him health and happiness.

There has been a sudden break in the weather, a sharp wind is blowing and it is cold, only 3 degrees, and although the rooms are heated they are not warm enough, and my hands are cold.

Nikita saw K., the dentist [Kastritsky]. It was through him that I got some news about you. I am glad poor Alix does not suffer from toothache and that he has finished treating you.

I hope Isa B. [Buxhoeveden] has arrived safely and has recovered from her operation.

Please give my love to them all, also to Il. Tatishcheff.

Which servants have you got with you? I hope dear Teteridtnikoff went with you. I have only kept Yashchik and Poliakoff and have not enough words of praise for them, such splendid, trustworthy people. They serve at table and manage very well. Kukushkin and Yashchik are great friends and chatter a lot together.

On December 6th all my thoughts will be with you, my dear darling Nicky, and I send you my warmest wishes. God bless you, send you strength and peace of mind, and may He not allow Russia to perish.

I kiss you tenderly. May Christ be with you. Your fondly loving old

Mama. "

[buckybarnesevents]

Happy Valentine's Day, @between-a-ship-and-a-hard-place!

This is just a small snippet of what your admirer thought of "better to speak or die"!

Title: better to speak or die Pairing: James "Bucky" Barnes/Steve Rogers Rating: Mature Tags: Alternate Universe - Call Me By Your Name, Strangers to Lovers, Angst with a Happy Ending, Letters and Diaries, Minor Bucky Barnes/Natasha Romanov Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings*, Attempted Sexual Assault*, Discussion of the AIDS crisis, Implied/Referenced Past Drug Abuse/Addiction Summary: Summers in C. are as endless and hazy as when they were kids. All James wants is to play his part well enough that his mother stops looking at him with that twist of regret in her smile. The only thing to break the sun-soaked monotony is the arrival of the new summer intern. While the rest of the household—and half the village—fawn over Steve Roger’s movie star looks and understated charm, James finds him aloof and his polite interest near unbearable. But as they collide in vulnerable moments, the sparks of frustration ignite something neither has the power to stop.

As part of our Valentine's Event, we encourage everyone to come check out this work and also drop some love! 💟

[historicwomendaily]

❁ Grand Duchesses Olga, Tatiana, Maria, and Anastasia Nikolaevna were the four daughters of Emperor Nicholas II and Alexandra Feodorovna of Russia. Known collectively as “OTMA”, the tragic lives of these four grand duchesses endlessly fascinate. Here is a list of resources to get to know the Romanov sisters a bit more deeply. ❁

⮞ Primary Sources Within the last decade or so, much work has been done to translate the diaries and letters of the Romanov sisters. Additionally, primary source material from their parents and retainers provide excellent insight into their lives. These include:

The Diary of Olga Romanov: Royal Witness to the Revolution by Helen Azar • The first in an excellent series on each individual Romanov sister, Azar offers a biographical sketch and translations of the wartime diaries and letters (1914-1918) of Olga Nikolaevna in a narrative-style with additional documents of the period.

Tatiana Romanov, Daughter of the Last Tsar: Diaries and Letters, 1913–1918 by Helen Azar and Nicholas B. A. Nicholson • Translated for the first time in English with plentiful annotations, this book offers a  narrative-style approach the diaries and letters of Tatiana Nikolaevna, including a biographical sketch and additional documents of the period.

Maria Romanov: Third Daughter of the Last Tsar, Diaries and Letters, 1908–1918  by Helen Azar and George Hawkins  • The first English translation of the intimate writings of Maria Nikolaevna, this narrative-style book offers translations of Maria’s writings and letters, with a biographical sketch and additional primary source material on the third grand duchess.

Anastasia Romanov: The Tsar's Youngest Daughter Speaks Through Her Writings (1907 - 1918) by Helen Azar and George Hawkins • Here for the first time, readers can discover the real Anastasia Nikolaevna through her own letters and writings - translated into English with a biographical sketch and additional documents, illustrating in a narrative style a “surprisingly modern teenager from the dawn of the 20th century.”

Journal of a Russian Grand Duchess:  Complete Annotated 1913 Diary of Olga Romanov, Eldest Daughter of the Last Tsar by Helen Azar • This volume comprises of diary entries of Olga Nikolaevna from the full year of 1913, which allow the reader a unique glimpse into the daily domestic routines of the Russian imperial family just prior to the outbreak of the First World War.

1913 Diary of Grand Duchess Maria Nikolaevna: Complete Tercentennial Journal of the Third Daughter of the Last Tsar by Helen Azar and Amanda Madru • The first translation of Maria Nikolaevna’s 1913 diary in its entirety, Maria’s journal records the daily routines of the Imperial family, from the mundane to the magnificent.

Maria and Anastasia: The Youngest Romanov Grand Duchesses In Their Own Words by Helen Azar • Known to their family and friends as "The Little Pair", Grand Duchesses Maria and Anastasia Nikolaevna are the main topic of this volume on their individual writings and letters.

Correspondence of the Russian Grand Duchesses: Letters of the Daughters of the Last Tsar by George Hawkins • This book contains a wide range of letters to and from the Grand Duchesses, both from relatives and friends, but also from strangers and people from  parts of the world.

In the Steps of the Romanovs: Final Two Years of the Russian Imperial Family 1916-1918  by Helen Azar • Unique volume collection of first-hand accounts of the Romanov family exclusively through their diaries and correspondence. 

Romanov Family Yearbook: On This Date in Their Own Words by Helen Azar and Amanda Madru • A unique edition which commemorates the last Romanovs through a collection of personal documents that recount their daily lives, ranging over a decade. This book contains 365 diary entries, letters, and photographs–one for each day of the year—including some previously unpublished material.

Russia’s Last Romanovs: In Their Own Words by Helen Azar and Eva & Dan McDonald  •  In this book, you will follow the events which led up to their eventual tragic fate through personal words of each family member, as well as their close friends and associates. Their letters, diaries, and postcards – many of which have been compiled into English here for the first time. 

A Lifelong Passion: Nicholas and Alexandra: Their Own Story by Sergei Mironenko and Andrei Maylunas • A large collection of letters, diaries, and writings of Nicholas II and Alexandra Feodorovna and their five children, this volume naturally includes much first-hand information on the Romanov grand duchesses.

The Last Grand Duchess by Ian Vorres • A memoir/biography of Aunt Olga Alexandrovna, whom OTMA were particularly close, offers much first-hand information on the sisters’.

The Romanov Royal Martyrs: What Silence Could Not Conceal by St. John the Forerunner Monastery • This beautifully-illustrated, unique volume draws on letters, testimonies, diaries, memoirs, and other texts never before published in English to present a unique biography of Tsar Nicholas II, his wife, four daughters, and son.

The Life and Tragedy of Alexandra Feodorovna: Empress of Russia by Sophie Buxhoeveden • A unique first-hand account of a close friend of Empress Alexandra, who also served as a lady-in-waiting and close confidant of the four sisters. A wealth of information and anecdotes on the lives of the girls’ full up the pages of this volume, including their lives in captivity.

Six Years at Russian Court by Margaret Eager • The memoirs of the governess of the grand duchesses, Eager offers the most complete first-hand account of the sisters’ childhoods.

Thirteen Years at the Russian Court by Pierre Gilliard • The best first-hand account of the life of the last Imperial family of Russia was written by Pierre Gilliard, French tutor to the Tsar's children.

Memories of the Russian Court by Anna Vyrubova • Memoirs of Alexandra’s closest friend, a lady-in-waiting to the empress, Anna’s memoirs, like Buxhoeveden’s, offers particular insight to the life of Alexandra Feodorovna and her four imperial daughters.

The Real Tsaritsa by Lil Dehn • A memoir of the court by Alexandra’s lady-in-waiting, Dehn with close with the Imperial family and the Romanov sisters in their last few years.

⮞ Historical Novels As many Romanov enthusiasts knows, it is incredibly difficult to find quality historical fiction on the last Romanov family. There are important exceptions, however:

The Lost Crown by Sarah Miller • Olga, Tatiana, Maria, and Anastasia. Like the fingers on a hand--first headstrong Olga; then Tatiana, the tallest; Maria the most hopeful for a ring; and Anastasia, the smallest. These are the daughters of Tsar Nicholas II, grand duchesses living a life steeped in tradition and privilege. Highly praised for its historical accuracy and  individual voices given to each grand duchess, Sarah Miller’s young adult historical fiction book can serve itself as a great starting point on the Romanov sisters, fiction or nonfiction.

Anastasia and Her Sisters by Carolyn Meyer • A young adult historical fiction novel from the point of view of Anastasia, this generally accurate book follows the lives of the Romanov sisters from their childhood to young women in captivity.

Anastasia: The Last Grand Duchess, Russia, 1914 by Carolyn Meyer • A well-beloved middle-grade novel written in the style of a fictionalized     diary of Anastasia.

Rubies in the Snow: Diary of Russia's Last Grand Duchess 1911-1918 by Kate Hubbard • Another fictionalized diary of Anastasia Nikolaevna, this book follows the grand duchess across seven years.

The Last Grand Duchess: A Novel of Olga Romanov, Imperial Russia, and Revolution by Bryn Turnbull • I have admittedly not read this book yet, so perhaps it is taking a huge chance to recommend this book; however, it is a new first-person novel of Olga Nikolaevna that has been well-received by readers and I haven’t found a trace of the usual sensationalism in the book’s reviews. 

⮞ Secondary Sources While there has yet to be a definitive combined biography of the four Romanov sisters, there are a number of nonfiction works that include their lives woven into their narratives. These include:

Anastasia’s Album by Hugh Brewster • A beautifully illustrated young adult nonfiction book on Anastasia Nikolaevna and her sisters.

The Romanovs: Love, Power, and Tragedy by A. N. Bokhanov • This book provides an enthralling  description of the last Romanov family. It is Told through the diaries and family albums of the last Tsar and Tsarina, and included for the first time in print the diary entries and letters of the grand duchesses. Hundreds of unique and historic photographs from the personal photo albums of Nicholas and his family complete this volume.

Nicholas and Alexandra by Robert K. Massie • A masterful classic of nonfiction, this book is considered by many to be the standard biography of the last Imperial Family of Russia. Written by Robert Massie with much research work done by Suzanne Massie, this book is a generally great nonfiction starting point on Nicholas, Alexandra, and their five children.

The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion, and the Fall of Imperial Russia by Candace Fleming • A young adult historical biography of the last Romanov family of Russia. This well-researched and well-annotated book provides information not only on the history of Nicholas, Alexandria, and their children but also on the Russian people living at the time and on the social conditions that contributed to the family's demise.

The Resurrection of the  Romanovs: Anastasia, Anna Anderson, and the World's Greatest Royal Mystery by Greg King and Penny Wilson • This groundbreaking book serves three purposes: first, a biography of Anastasia Nikolaevna; second, a recounting of the tale of “Anna Anderson”; and third, a biography of Franziska Schanzkowska and how under the guise of Anna Anderson she falsely claimed to be Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanova.

⮞ Websites The internet has proven to be an endless mine of Romanov material on the grand duchesses and the imperial family as a whole. These websites are particularly good starting points:

Alexander  Palace Time Machine • The world’s preeminent Romanov website--a treasure trove of photos, letters, books, articles, and more.

Liviadia.org • A tribute to the Romanov children, featuring scrapbook-style biographies and photo albums of each grand duchess.

The Romanov Family • A popular Romanov history website focusing on Nicholas, Alexandra, the four sisters, and Alexei in their own words, run by translator Helen Azar.

Frozentears • A media-rich memorial to the last Imperial family.

Romanov Memorial • A virtual tour of the Ipatiev house.

Yale Beinecke Albums • Browse six of Anna Vyrubova’s personal photo albums, loaded with candid snapshots of the grand duchesses and their family.

The Romanov Royal Martyrs Project • A multimedia dedication to the last Imperial family of Russia.

⮞ Films, Documentaries, & Footage While there have been numerous films and documentaries on the Romanovs, only a small amount steer away from the sensationalism often associated with the family, particularly the imposters. Documentaries and films that focus on the real family instead includes:

The Romanov Four Sisters (2021) • A documentary on the Romanov sisters by The Romanov Royal Martyrs project, this two-part series is a purposeful remake of a far less well-received documentary. This new version features colorized pictures by Olga Shirnina (Klimbim),  newsreel footage, and a selection of photographs from the State Archive of the Russian Federation (GARF).

OTMA — Grand Duchesses Olga, Tatiana, Maria & Anastasia (Footage) •  An hour length collection of the old archival film footage with the Russian Grand Duchesses Olga, Tatiana, Maria and Anastasia Romanov of Russia from the Russian State Documentary Film & Photo Archive at Krasnogorsk (RGAKFD).

Last of the Czars (1996) • A three-part documentary on the last imperial family of Russia, Discovery Networks.

Russia’s Last Tsar (1995) • A documentary on Nicholas II and his family, National Geographic Video.

The Romanovs: An Imperial Family (2000) • A Russian historical drama film about the last days of Tsar Nicholas II and his family. It has been praised by Romanov enthusiasts for its depictions of the Romanov sisters.

Nicholas and Alexandra (1971) • The film adaptation of Robert K. Massie’s book of the same name, this historical drama focuses on the imperial couple and their family throughout Nicholas’s reign.

[loiladadiani]

Nicholas II and his dogs

All Romanovs adored pets in general but in particular dogs. The Emperor's favorite breed was collies, and he kept a kennel of at least a dozen of them at Tsarkoe Selo.

His two favorite dogs were Raven and Iman. He got Raven when he was seventeen. Raven died in 1895, leaving the Tsar disconsolate. On 28th September 1895, Nicholas wrote his mother: “I have only just received your telegram in reply to mine about poor Voron’s [Raven] death, which made me so sad. I buried him on the Detski [Children’s] Island and placed a tombstone over his grave. Now it is so lonely and sad whenever I take my walks, especially when Alix does not come along . . .”.

In 1896, Grand Duchess Ella Alexandrovna gave the Tsar another Collie. He called the dog Iman and grew as close to him as to Raven. Iman died in 1902. Nicholas wrote to his mother...“I have just suffered a very heavy grief – the loss of dear old Iman – ... I must confess the whole day after it happened, I never stopped crying – I shall miss him dreadfully when I go for walks. He was such an intelligent, kind, and loyal dog!”.

Nicholas continued to have Collies and to take long walks with them, but after the loss of Raven and Iman, he did not allow himself to grow as close to them. In his diaries and letters to his mother, he refers to them as merely "the dogs." No names again.

In the graves of the family dogs on the children's island (marked by black obelisks), the dates of the family dogs can be clearly seen:

Шилка [Shilka] 1894-1910

Иман [Iman] 6 December 1895 – 2 October 1902

Ворон [Voron / Raven] December 1889 – September 1895

Эра [Era] 1894-1906

I don't know who "Shilka" was, but Era was the Empress' dog. If you look carefully at the first photo above, a little bundle of fur is standing by the Empress. That was her. (gcl)

Reference:

Gilbert, P. (2023, March 19). Nicholas II’s canine companions. Nicholas II. https://tsarnicholas.org/2021/05/22/nicholas-iis-canine-companions/

[adini-nikolaevna]

Why is historian Helen Rappaport controversial?

Oof. I don't want to step on anyone's toes by answering this question, but... the chief criticism is that a professional historian should do their best to be impartial, to keep personal biases and opinions from creeping into their work, and that Helen Rappaport fails to be objective; some would say that she paints an inaccurate picture of the last Romanovs (Alix was a cold and terrible mother to her daughters, the girls were completely isolated and without friends, etc) and that her bias against the empress is obvious.

In her defense, it is VERY difficult, if not impossible, for anyone to be 100 percent impartial, and speaking as a writer, biographers are no exception, but at the very least, their work should not perpetuate old beliefs that have been debunked by... the writings of the imperial family members themselves. Therefore, I would encourage those with an interest in the Romanovs to read the family's own letters and diaries, and then draw their own conclusions about how these people lived and what they were actually like.

There was also an incident several years back where Rappaport was rather dismissive of the Romanov community here on Tumblr and essentially claimed that we were all simply a lot of teenaged fangirls who like to romanticize OTMA, and that is neither fair nor accurate (especially since we make up a significant portion of her readership, it seems foolish/imprudent to borderline insult us).

That being said, I don't believe that Rappaport's work is as terrible as many of us make it out to be. It is not without merit, and it does make for interesting reading. Some of it really should be taken at face value, but she has real talent as a writer, and the fact of the matter is that she'd probably be very popular in the Romanov community if she had been nicer to us.

BUT I will admit that I am very much looking forward to her current work-in-progress, a biography of Grand Duchess Anna Feodorovna! :)

[otmacamera]

17th June 1912 part 2/2

Photo 1 : Prince Dmitri Alexandrovich, Tsarevich Alexei Nikolaevich, Prince Vasily Alexandrovich, Prince Rostislav Alexandrovich, Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna, Prince Nikita Alexandrovich and Grand Duchess Maria Nikolaevna in Gatchina, 17th June 1912.

Photo 2 : Prince Nikita Alexandrovich, Grand Duchess Maria Nikolaevna, Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna, Prince Rostislav Alexandrovich, Prince Vasily Alexandrovich, Prince Dmitri Alexandrovich and Tsarevich Alexei Nikolaevich.

Photo 3 : Miss Elizabeth Jane Coster, Prince Rostislav Alexandrovich, Prince Vasili Alexandrovich, Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna, Grand Duchess Maria Nikolaevna and Mr Vinogradoff.

Photo 4 : Grand Duchess Maria Nikolaevna and Prince Vasily Alexandrovich.

Photo 5 : Andrei Derevenko, Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna and Tsarevich Alexei Nikolaevich

"17th/30th June. Sunday. Before obednya, walked with the sisters in the garden. Papa had breakfast at the Grand P[alace] with the Danes, and we were with Mama and Sonya Den. In the afternoon, we 5 drove to Gatchina in motors. Played and walked around the garden with Irina. Papa and Mama came to Grandmama for tea and we all returned by train. After dinner, NP. was with us. How happy I am. Thank you Lord!" (1912 Diary of Grand Duchess Olga Nikolaevna)

Photos from: Grand Duchess Xenia Alexandrovna's 1912-1913 Album / page 7b - photo n° 101 SCIENCE MUSEUM GROUP - Albums of Herbert Galloway Stewart You can also find more photos, diary entries, letters here : Last Romanovs VK

[foreverinthepagesofhistoryy]

Grand Duchesses Olga and Maria Nikolaevna of Russia 🤍

“Marie darling!..Well, good night, I kiss you and pat you on your chubby, appetising cheeks. Your sister, O Romanova” 31st October/13th November 1914

[otmaaromanovas]

What was Tatiana’s relationship with N Rodianov?

Hello there! Thank you for your question and I am sorry for the late reply!

Nikolai Nikolaevich Rodionov was Tatiana’s favourite officer on the Standart. The girls naturally had their favourite officers: Olga’s was Pavel Voronov, Maria's was Nikolai Demenkov, Anastasia’s was Georgii Taube. Some of these were obviously crushes, whereas some were just close friendships.

When Tatiana was suffering from typhoid, Alix sent notes to her to comfort her and give advice. In one of these notes she specificallly mentions she saw Rodionov. So judging by this he was definitely a family favourite and/or Alix knew that would cheer up dear Tatiana.

Here are some photos of them together:

And this super cute one of them sharing a coat to keep cosy!

From Tatiana’s diary and letters - Rodionov is almost always referred to as 'N.N.' (Nikolai Nikolaevich):

'29 May [Old Style, her birthday] Thursday [1914]. ...I played 2 singles sets [of Tennis] with N.N., both of which he won... I played 3 sets with N.N. against Papa and Olga, won two lost one. N.P. arrived. We had tea there. After that I had a rest and wrote telegrams... I sat between N.N. and N.P. It was very good. After that, there was a cinematograph in the dining room. I sat with N.N. on the divan. We went back home at 12. It was so awfully good. They drank my health three times at the table. So sweet and cosy. To be with such dear friends.' - Full diary entry here, translated by the wonderful Helen Azar

'10 January. [1916]. ...One of these days N.N. Rodionov is supposed to arrive, and I am very happy. We have not seen him for almost a year...'

Letter from Tatiana to Countess Zinaïda Tolstaya:

'1 March, 1918 Tobolsk. ...Write to me again. I love receiving your letters. Do you know where N.N. is at the moment? I know that his friend was killed in Simferopol and he was there too...'

She also wrote occasionally in her diary about speaking with him on the telephone, something that OTMA did with their favourite officers, mostly in the evening.

She didn’t write about him quite as passionately or often as Olga did about Pavel Voronov or AKSHV, so I don’t know whether you would consider it to be a ‘crush’, or just a particular favourite :) She sometimes called him 'dear N.N.', which could just be Russian endearment expressed in many of their letters and diaries, or something more romantic.

From the photos that exist of him, he seems to have been close to all the girls, posing with them affectionately, holding their hands, etc. They all write about him in their diaries fondly. Judging purely off photos, he seems to have been extra close with Tatiana and Anastasia. There are some super cute photos of him and Anastasia, I’ll attach them below! You’re pretty much guaranteed to find him in all their albums!

Rodionov survived the Revolution, despite staying loyal to the Imperial Family, which would have placed him in considerable danger. At some point he emigrated, and he passed away in 1962 in France, aged 76. He would have been 24 in 1910, and therefore his mid 20s during his time with the Romanovs.

Also, random fun fact, his hand writing was strikingly similar to Tatiana’s! The same very sloped, pointy text.

Hope this was helpful! To conclude, I don't know exactly whether Tatiana saw Rodionov as a favourite officer or more of a crush. She was more reserved than Olga, so her not writing about him like Olga did with her crushes is understandable when you consider her personality. But she clearly was very fond about him, and didn't forget him even in the last year of her life.

[foreverinthepagesofhistory]

OTMA + selfies

The girls seemed to love taking what we now call in the modern day, selfies! There are some photos of their parents (and uncle Misha 🤭) doing it so it seems that they learned from them!

“I took this picture in the mirror, and it was hard because my hands shook…”

— Anastasia Nikolaevna, 1913

[queenalexandraofdenmark]

♥︎♡ ~ WELCOME! ~ ♡♥︎

➳ Blog est. April 4th, 2023.

My name is Kayla ➳ she/her, teenager, American, bisexual, Christian ♱, obsessed with Lana Del Rey & Queen Alexandra(ofc🤪🩷), future historian, lover of basically any history. <3

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TOPICS I POST OF

Main topics:

• Queen Alexandra

• The old British Royal Family

• The Romanovs

Other topics:

• Historic letters, diary entries, and quotes!

• Historical fashion

• Historical art

• Royals from the old European Monarchies

• Royals from today's European Monarchies

• Period Dramas

And more!

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HOW I POST

• i'm veryyy active on this account and will post at least 10 or more times a day!

• I make usually at least one of my own posts once every week or two. But otherwise I just reblog anything from the topic lists above! ^^

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MY OTHER SOCIALS

• My Linktree 🔗 (all my other Royalty related social media accounts)

[romanovsonelastdance]

Say I read an old post of yours. Why did you think that Princess Elizabeth of Greece and Denmark (I only know her as the duchess of kent's sister)made more sense than Princess Ileana of Romania(idk who she is ), I am pretty much curious of Ileana girl and a bit of Princess Marina's sister, that is because I am pretty much into marina and so far i haven't read much about this sister. I am currently reading the 1910s possible marriages and marriages and future mariages I have finished readingthe early years. By the way who is this Alexei to my fav princess marina and to her sister?

Elizabeth (or either of her sisters Olga or Marina!) seem like more likely possibly brides for Alexei to me for a couple reasons:

They are closer in age. Alexei was born in summer of 1904, and Ileana was born in December of 1908. That's 4.5 years difference, which is not a lot, but he'd be of marriageable age before she was. Alexei, as not only the only son and heir, but a sick one, would be expected to marry young. Elizabeth, on the other hand, was also born in 1904, Olga in 1903, and Marina in 1906. Alexei would have to wait longer to marry Ileana, and hemophiliacs in that time period didn't tend to live that long. We'd all love a love match, but time is also a factor here!

Alexei knew Elizabeth (and Olga) better than he ever knew Ileana. He only met Ileana on that one trip, when he was not-quite 10 and she was 5. Alexei had known Elizabeth and Olga pretty much his whole life; there are photos of baby Olga with little OTMA before Alexei and Elizabeth were even born. They were actually IN Russia in 1914 when war was declared. Their father, Prince Nicholas, said that Alexei and his older two daughters (Olga and Elizabeth) were "great chums" and in 1916 Alexei specifically asked Nicholas to give the girls his love. There's also a cute story of little Alexei trying to tell little Elizabeth he loved her in 1908, but she didn't understand enough Russian at the time!

The girls were probably the most "Russian" foreign princesses possible! Their mother was a Romanov grand duchess and while their father was a Greek prince, HIS mother was also a Romanov grand duchess. Both of their Greek aunts married Grand Dukes. Their Russian grandparents (Grand Duke Vladimir and Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna the Elder) were leaders of Russian society. Their uncle Kirill was the one who named himself Emperor after the revolution. They grew up among the Russian family--if one of them married Alexei, they would already know people and be comfortable there. They would know the customs, the various palaces, etc. Ileana had never been to Russia as far as I am aware, and while she, too had Russian connections (her grandmother was a Russian grand duchess and one of her aunts married a Grand Duke) they just weren't as strong as Marina and her sisters' were.

There isn't much out there about Elizabeth (nicknamed Woolly), compared to the other two sisters. But if you're interested I'd recommend "Princess Olga of Yugoslavia: Her Life and Times," which has a lot of quotes from Olga's letters and diaries so you get a lot of information about her sisters, too. But the consensus was that Elizabeth was the nicest of the sisters, very sweet, loved horses and gardening and was a talented painter. All three sisters were considered great beauties of their time, with Elizabeth having dark brown hair and amber-colored eyes.

Alexei and the Greek sisters were second cousins twice over; both their parents were first cousins of Nicholas II.

Alexei, of course, was the only son and heir of Nicholas II of Russia. If there hadn't been a revolution, he would have been one of the most sought-after princes ambitious mothers would hope their daughter would marry. Probably only the Prince of Wales would be a greater 'prize!' And that's another reason one of the Greek princesses makes so much sense in my head: their mother Elena and grand mother Maria Pavlovna the Elder would have LOVED IT if one of the girls married Alexei.

[romanov-ramblings]

Cadets Evgeni Makarov and Vasili Agaev - Playmates and close friends of Tsesarevich Alexei Nikolaevich of Russia In the 1916 diary of Tsesarevich Alexei Nikolaevich, which was gifted to him by his mother, the Empress, there is mention of two boys who frequented Mogilev (Stavka, General Headquarters) with the Tsesarevich. Alexei wrote of them quite often, mentioning playing with them, and even what cadet schools they were both from. He mentioned how they would write letters to him, and also during December of 1916 there was an album sent from Cadet Agaev to Tsesarevich Alexei, of which he makes mention of it in his diary: “December 12 Morning in bed. My hand and the worm are bothering me. All is well during the day. Wrote Mama. In the evening I cleaned my bayonet, played and went to bed early. Received a letter from Agaev and an album.” Attached to this post are cropped face shots of Cadets Makarov and Agaev from photographs in the albums of his eldest sister’s from 1916. The large photograph (the last one) shows Tsesarevich Alexei with the two cadets - Vasili Agaev to his left, Evgeni Makarov to his right. Also attached are the epaulettes of their corresponding cadet corps. The Orlovsky-Bakhtin Cadet Corps had epaulettes of dark, navy blue with yellow gold marking out the insignia of the school - О.Б. The Simbirsk Cadet Corps had epaulettes of pastel blue with a darker gold marking out the insignia of the school - С.К.  The following excerpts of diary entries, letters and notes come from the translations of George Hawkins and his brand-new publication, “Alexei: Russia's Last Tsesarevich - Letters, diaries and writings.” This book (which I have on Kindle) is a treasure trove of insight into the life of Tsesarevich Alexei, and also anecdotes written in the diaries of his sisters, letters from relatives, and daily reports from his tutors. A must have for fellow Romanov enthusiasts out there!  ________________________________________________________________ In a letter to his mother, the Tsesarevich wrote about his first real meeting and the beginnings of friendship with Cadet Makarov, whom he affectionately referred to as “Zhenya.” Cadet Makarov as mentioned below was part of the Orlovsky Bakhtin Cadet Corps. Evgeni Makarov had a brother, also named Alexei whom the Tsesarevich referred to a few times in his letters to his mother. Of Cadet Makarov’s life, little is known. However, it is known that he was killed in Moscow, in 1918.  “Mogilev, 16 July 1916 My darling Mama, Yesterday, Cadet Makarov, the one who always stood in the corner, came with us on our walk. We played together and he told me lots of about his corps (Orlovsky). In the evening, I was at the town gardens again. There were about 100 children there. The boys did a tug-of-war and the girls played cat and mouse. It is very hot today! I am reading a lot. May God protect you +! Kisses, Alexei.” ________________________________________________________________ There are also some letters which Cadet Makarov wrote himself, including one which he included a greeting from his older brother in congratulating the Tsesarevich on the occasion of his name day: "October 4, 1916. Your Imperial Highness Highly respected Alexey Nikolaevich. My brother Alexei and I congratulate Your Imperial Highness on the day of your Angel and wish you complete happiness and health for many years. We apologize to Your Highness for the fact that we could not congratulate you in a timely manner: the reason for this was that the telegram was not accepted from us. How do you feel now. I'm quite comfortable with the body. When do you think to come to Tsarskoye Selo? I practiced pretty well got 2 and the rest are good points. I bow to Peter Vasilyevich and Mr. Gibbs. Now probably do not drive on the Dnieper. It is cold in Petrograd and it rains every day. Time passes with us very soon. I bow to His Imperial Majesty and Her Imperial Majesty Empress Alexandra Feodorovna. Her Imperial Highnesses: Olga Nikolaevna, Tatiana Nikolaevna, Maria Nikolaevna and Anastasia Nikolaevna, and His Highness Igor Konstantinovich and the entire Suite. I have not yet received letters from Agayev and have not yet written to him, because I do not know his address. I go on vacation and spend time quite fun. Lyolya goes on vacation with me. I wish Your Highness all the best. I remain your loyal subject E. Makarov, who loves you." ________________________________________________________________ Along with these letters, are a small group of writings from Cadet Agaev. Vasili Agaev arrived at Mogilev a little after Evgeni Makarov, and became quick friends with the Tsesarevich. The three boys can be seen in photographs taken by his parents and sisters, joking about, romping and playing together. In one of Alexei’s diary entries, for the month of July, Cadet Agaev whom he affectionately referred to as “Vasya” is mentioned during his arrival that day:

“July 22 Friday I was at Church. I wrote two letters: to Mama and Zhilik. Luncheon with everyone. Makarov came after luncheon and later on a new cadet, Agaev. (from the Simbir Corps). We were on the square with Papa. I had dinner with the cadets at 5 1/2, and then we went to the cinema. I read and listened to P.V.P. To bed early.” ________________________________________________________________ From Vasili Agaev, as mentioned above are a number of letters and small notes. Reading them, you really get a sense of the friendship shared between these three boys, however brief it was. These letters are unfortunately undated. “Your Imperial Highness,  I have already been a few days with the 1st Corps and as it is my first free day, I am writing you, Your Highness, and express all my foolish thankfulness for all the kindness I received, thanks to Your Imperial Highness. The Corps has already started to get on with the right activities and life goes on as usual. Our ones will arrive today and leave tomorrow and I will have to stay on by myself again. And you are still in Mogilev! Do you still walk on the shaft? Has Makarov left?  Strongly loving you, Vasili Agaev” ____________________

“Your Imperial Highness!

Congratulations on your Name Day! I sincerely wish you much health, and many, many happy years. Your deeply loving cadet Agaev” ____________________

“Your Imperial Highness! We arrived in Moscow without incident. I went to the Corps, but they hadn’t heard about my transfer yet so I am staying at a hotel and waiting. During the day, I go for walks in Moscow. I am missing you a lot and wish I was in Mogilev with you. Strongly loving you, Vasili Agaev” ____________________

“Your Imperial Highness!

How is your health? I sent the album. Strongly loving you Vasili Agaev” ________________________________________________________________

In an excerpt from a letter dated 13 August, 1916, the Tsesarevich writes in an enthusiastic tone about graduating from mud baths, but then switches quickly to a marked, sad tone to his mother of Cadet Agaev’s leaving from Mogilev: ”Stavka, August 13, 1916 Here’s a letter for you My dear, Sweet Mama. I graduate from mud baths today! “HOORAY”. AGAEV is leaving today! “NO hurray!”...” The letter is followed by another, the very next day (14 August), also to his mother, mentioning Cadet Agaev’s leaving from Mogilev: ”Stavka 14 August 1916 My darling, sweet Mama. I was at church. Papa is at HQ. The weather is not so good. It is raining a little. Agaev is coming to say goodbye to me today. He is leaving at 4:50. Goly and Nilov are going with him. I shall be having more study from next week. P.V.P. has bought himself a new dog which looks lik his old dog “Pulka” I spent yesterday afternoon as always. Time to finish. It is nearly time for luncheon and I still have to write to Siny. God protect you and the sisters. See you soon.  Lovingly yours, Your old Corporal Alexei”  Another letter, written the next day, also to the Empress mentions the absence of Cadet Agaev, as well as, the fact that Cadet Makarov would be leaving soon: ”Stavka, 15 August 1916 My dear, sweet Mama, I have just got back from church. Papa as always is at HQ. It has been raining since morning with some breaks. Yesterday passed the same as always, but without Agaev. I went with Makarov to the town garden. Makarov will be leaving soon too. I shall be left on my own with Papa. (x) Thanks (x) don’t need the Danish letters you sent. Today [illegible] arrives. Igor is already in his room. His leg still hurts and he gets a massage for it. Everyone thanks you very much for the greetings. The End. May God protect you and the sisters!!! Kisses Not yours A Romanov” ________________________________________________________________ Of the whereabouts of Cadet Agaev, again little is known. However, it is known that he did die, prior to the the deaths of Cadet Makarov and of course those of the Imperial Family and their retinue who had chosen to remain with them at the Ipatiev House in Ekaterinburg.  In a letter written to Petr Vasilievich Petrov (P.V.P, the Imperial Children’s Russian tutor), the eldest sister of the Tsesarevich, Grand Duchess Olga Nikolaevna asks if it is true that Vasili Agaev had died. It should be noted that the letter she received from the old Petr Vasilievich was a month after he had actually sent it. Newspapers likewise were not current either. From Grand Duchess Olga Nikolaevna’s letter to Petr Petrov: “Tobolsk 23 November 1917 “...We just read in the newspapers about the death of poor Vasya Agaev. Is it really so? Petr Vasilievich, maybe you can find out the truth about this from Zhenya Mak[arov]’s mother. She probably knows, and could she pass on to his mother how my brother and all of us sympathise and grieve with her.” ________________________________________________________________ I think it is so sad that these two boys were all but forgotten to the World. The only reason they are even known is because they were friends of the last Heir of the Russian Throne. They are only known from photographs, and mentions of them in diary entries of their dear friend, who valued their friendship immensely. Their lives were meaningful and they were people. They should be remembered just as much as the Imperial Family has been. Too many times we focus on the Romanovs. What about the servants? What about the tutors, friends of the Imperial Children, or the Boatswains Derevenko and Nagorny? The doctors? The ladies-in-waiting, etc. What about these people? They are just as important and deserve a voice.  Apologise if I’ve become a bit too passionate but it’s the truth. They deserve a voice too. I therefore dedicate this post to Cadets Makarov and Agaev. May they have known peace, even in their last hours. ☦💐 ________________________________________________________________ Photographs: 1. Cadet Evgeni Makarov. Album of Grand Duchess Tatiana Nikolaevna, 1916. 2. Epaulette design of the Orlovsky-Bakhtin Cadet Corps. “О.Б.”  3. Epaulette design of the Simbirsk Cadet Corps. “С.К.” 4. Cadet Vasili Agaev. Album of Grand Duchess Olga Nikolaevna, 1916. 5. A photograph of Tsesarevich Alexei with Cadets Agaev and Makarov at either side. Album of Grand Duchess Tatiana Nikolaevna, 1916.

Sources: Альбом Ольги Николаевны, 1916 год Альбом Татьяны Николаевны, 1916 год “Alexei: Russia's Last Tsesarevich - Letters, diaries and writings.” - George Hawkins. Published, Circa. January, 2022. “Letters and writings of Nicholas II and his family.” - Facebook Page RIA Officers (largest database on officers of the Russian Imperial Army during the 20th Century) Link of courtesy: https://www.flickr.com/photos/149552988@N02/albums/with/72157706508137595 https://www.amazon.com/Alexei-Russias-Tsesarevich-Letters-writings/dp/B09PMBKYN7 https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067001081671 https://www.ria1914.info/ (you can search individually for the Orlovsky-Bakhtin and Simbirsk Cadet Corps here)