Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Alexandra's letters to Nicholas, dated June 23 and 24, 1900

Alexandra wrote these letters to Nicholas on June 23 and 24, 1900, during a stay at Peterhof Palace.

Source:

A Lifelong Passion, letters and diary entries compiled by Andrei Maylunas and Sergei Mironenko

Alexandra Feodorovna: Diaries and Correspondence, volume 3: The Young Empress, 1895-1905, pages 100 to 103, by George Hawkins, 2024

The letters:

June 23
My own precious Darling,
I must send you a letter today, already. It was horrid having to let you go off all alone all alone and driving away from the station I felt a nasty lump in my throat and a suspicious moisture in the eyes. So I went straight off to the little church, and felt much calmer after praying for my darling. The service only lasted ¾ of an hour.

Had you been with me, I think we should have died as there were only three men to sing, I think a gardener and lamp-lighter. Each sang for himself and in another key. It was cruel to the ears; and the deacon from here has an impossible voice, so that I did not understand a word of the bible except, 'Martha...' The priest's robes were much too short and immense black boots protruded from underneath — but it did not make me laugh. I felt too earnest and prayed for you with all my heart.

Coming home I met the children, so I walked home with them. Oh, my Sweet One, how I miss you, those orbs, lakes, where are they to gaze into? 'I love you, I love you, 'tis all that I can say', and to be without you is really awful, my Nicky love! Our precious little girlies are my only comfort.

I was too happy to receive your telegram from Luga and kiss you for it with all my heart. Every word from you is such a comfort to a lonely heart. I have grown so accustomed to have my Huzy near me that I can't bear being without him. If you could have seen my tea table! A wee table with a glass of milk, strawberries and a few biscuits. I must quickly ring for the children and then before the dentist comes shall finish this epistle.

I went to your room to see if any papers had come and found the door locked, but the key was there. It looked beastly dreary. I told them to bring any papers sorted there and am going to lay them carefully on the chair next to your writing table. Is that right? With great difficulty and many tears I got the children out of the room, as they wished to see the dentist work on my teeth, and Olga wished to sleep with me. But I must lay my pen down and be off. Goodnight, my precious, sweetest husband. God bless and protect you, and may holy angels watch over you and guard you — I cover your sweet face with kisses; forehead, eyes and mouth, and remain ever your tenderly loving little Wify
Alix

...

I must chat with you before going to bed. Well, after I had finished my letter to you, I went to the dentist, he stopped two cavities, cleaned the teeth and treated the gums. He is coming again on Monday, as the gums need a rest. I dined alone on the balcony (with the dogs). At 8.30pm Princess Golitsyn came and I drove her with the two greys in the basket pony carriage. We went through the Alexander park, the lime tree avenue, past the mill. Just now I received the following telegram, "Amélie et moi envoyons nos plus sincères félicitations pour ce jour." Carlos. What on earth does the blooming idiot mean? Does he think that my birthday is suddenly a whole month later, July 6 instead of June 6? Don't you think it needs no answer? — I wanted to write in your room, as I saw the little green light burning, and remained here, Iman will sleep in the bedroom. Goodnight lovy, with a heavy heart. I go upstairs — sleep well doushka I kiss you and bless tenderly (20 minutes to 1, I go by-by).

June 24
Good-morning lovy! Well, both dogs slept in my room and did not move all night not even when I woke up several times and drank water. I got up at 7.30 and walked with them for an hour. Then drank my cup of coffee on the children's balcony and read the agency telegrams. I hope you don't suffer too much from the heat and the dust. This evening I shall finish this letter, so as to tell you how I spent my last day.

The letters in full:

Peterhof
June 23rd/July 6th 1900
My own precious Darling,
I must send you a letter to-day already, so as for you to receive one at Хольмъ. It was horrid having to let you go off all alone and driving away from the station I felt a nasty lump in my throat and a suspicious moisture in the eyes. So I went straight off to the little Church and felt much calmer after praying for my Darling. The service only lasted ¾ of an hour. Had you been with me, I think we should have died as there were only three men to sing. I think a gardener and lampenputzer. Each sang for himself and in another key, it was cruel to the ear, and the Diacre from here has an impossible voice, so that I did not understand a word of the bible except Марфа, and the priest's robes were much too short and immense black boots protruded from underneath. But it did not make me laugh, I felt too earnest and prayed for you with all, with all my heart. Coming home I met the Children, so I walked home with them. Then poor [illegible]'s daughter came to me — she is so brave, wretched creature.

Then I burned and painted, Schneiderlein was with me and then we lunched to-gether on the balcony. I don't separate from [illegible].

Oh, my Sweet One, how I miss you, those orbes, lakes, where are they to gaze into? I love you, I love you, 'tis all that I can say, and to be without you is really awful, my Nicky love! Our precious little girlies are my only comfort. But Iman too looks depressed and has melancholy eyes.

I drove with Lilli in my cart to see Stana for an hour and took him with me. On the whole she feels better, she showed me their little Church wh I had never seen — then I dropped Lilli at her house and went to Nadinka — poor creature, she could scarcely say anything and insists one wants to take her away and she is so frightened — poor thing, it is sad to see her so, she begged me to come again.

Returning, I saw Linden [illegible] Schlitter before the barracks. A man on a bycicle nearly flew into me, the beast tore round a corner and only just had time to shave past the carriage.

I am enchanted, every day a Feldjäger goes to Куропаткинъ so that there is a safe means to send you daily letters — this time I appreciated Janan when he told me this and brought me a printed paper.

I feel grand with the agency telegrams in my pocket. I was too happy to receive your telegram from Luga and kiss you for it with all my heart. Every word from you is such a comfort to a lonely heart. I dread the long and dreary night. I have grown so accustomed to have my huzy near me that I can't bear being without him. And I feel I must be buzy the whole time, nor to be lazy one minute, then I feel the solitude less.

If you could have seen my tea table! A wee table with a glass of milk, strawberries and a few biscuits. I must quickly ring for the Children and then before the dentist, shall finish this epistle — I hope you will received at breakfast on Sunday morning. Please congratulate Белаевъ from me and our men if you can. My thoughts will be with you the whole time, I only hope it won't be too hot. I am in despair you went off without any finatzetine but am sure Poliakof or Meyendorff have some. Tell the latter that Nadinka likes his wife.

I wonder whether you will have any bézique? I went to your room to see if any papers had come and found the door locked, but the key was there. It looked beastly dreary. I told them to bring your papers, sorted them, and am going to lay them carefully on the chair next to your writing table. Is that right?

With great difficulty and many tears I got the Children out of the room, as they wished to see the Dentist look at my teeth and Olga wished to sleep with me.

But now I must lay my pen down and be off. Good-night my precious sweetest husband. God bless and protect you, and may holy angels watch over you and guard you. + I cover your sweet face with kisses, forehead, eyes and mouth, and remain ever yr tenderly and passionately loving little Wify
Alix

It is calmer now and the water has fallen again. I am going to dine in solitary glory on the balconey and then shall drive the Pss with two horses. Fare well my Angel!


No. 157
Peterhof
June 24th/July 7th 1900
Darling precious One,
It is only yesterday that you left and yet it seems ages. Well, after my solitary dinner on the balconey, I drove in my cart, fetched Sonia and went to Sergiewka. Sonia drove on to Mardwinofka, where I fetched her afterwards. I have just returned and it is ten minutes to eleven and very dark and a little rainy. We sat outside, and as I was there at 9, the Children had been allowed to remain up a bit, so I hid from them twice and they were enchanted hunting for me.

Sonia hurt her foot on the stairs near the Children's balconey this afternoon and now it is quite swollen. To-morrow she will try and find somebody to rub it well, to-night she can only put a compress on. I fear it's sprained and will take a few days to heal, and she limps miserably, but happily it does not give her pain. But I must be off to bedyby, so as to get up at 7.30. Imanchik has had his milk. Sleep well and holy Angels guard thy bed. I cover you with kisses my own sweetest love whom I adore and love from the depths of my heart and soul +

June 25th — Thanks so much for you[r] dear telegrams. I can imagine how enchanted they were to see you at Хольмъ. I read the description in the agency telegrams. I love to see and hear how one advizes my huzy boy, how can it be otherwise, and how delighted they must be to have seen you, they will never forget it and "the blue lakes."

Well, I took my early walk with the 4 dogs and breakfasted on the balconey, the hothouse temperature was killing and the dogs each looked ramolished, then I painted, changed my dress and went to Church. They sand Bachmetief's Херувимская No 7 divinely, I felt sad, tearful, longed for you and thought of our poor men and families in China.

The four ladies, Loman, Alsoufief, Paretzky, Janishef and [illegible] lunched with me. It seemed so strange and unnatural without you. First I received him alone and he brought me the bouquet and [drawing of a card] and we talked after luncheon. Then I rested on the balconey upstairs and then played lawn-tennis from 3 - 5. The heat was simply killing and my brain is quite idiotic. To-day I really played well. Poor Sonia only looked on, as her foot is too swollen. Loman is going to send her the Dr of the Alexandria to look at it, as some movements hurt a good deal. She sat mostly in Church.

Georgi came a moment in full uniform to bring the medal and jeton of his regiment. He and Minny had also been feeding three of his officers.

The Children went for the whole afternoon to Sergiewka to cook and take tea on the little island.

The telegrams to-day give one a little more hope — would to God they had been spared and could be saved still. Have you any direct news from Alexeef?

But now Goodbye, Deary, I am extinguished and have no brains for writing, tho' the heart is overfull of love and devotion.
God bless you, sweet Ники, my old Лаусбубъ. For ever and ever, yr own old Wify
Alix


Above: Alexandra, year 1900.


Above: Nicholas, year 1900. Photo courtesy of Tatiana Z on Flickr.


Above: Grand Duchesses Olga, Tatiana and Maria Nikolaevna, year 1900.



Above: Peterhof Palace. Photo taken by Florstein at Wikimedia Commons.

Notes: Хольмъ = Holm.

Lampenputzer = lamp cleaner.

Diacre = Deacon.

Марфа = Martha.

Iman = Nicholas's dog.

Куропаткинъ = General Alexei Kuropatkin (1848-1925), Minister of War (1898-1904).

Белаевъ = Belyaev.

finatzetine (Phenacetin) = a pain relief medicine.

Херувимская = Cherubic Hymn.

"She sat mostly in Church" = In Russian Orthodoxy it is the norm to stand through the Service.

Georgi = Grand Duke George Mikhailovich (1863-1919), a grandson of Emperor Nicholas I. Murdered by the Bolsheviks.

Minny = Grand Duke George's wife, Princess Maria of Greece and Denmark (1876-1940).

Лаусбубъ = Lausbub (rascal).

Alexandra's letter to Nicholas, dated July 22, 1899

Alexandra wrote this letter to Nicholas on July 22, 1899, after the death and funeral of his brother, Grand Duke George.

Source:

A Lifelong Passion, letters and diary entries compiled by Andrei Maylunas and Sergei Mironenko

The letter:

My own precious darling Huzy dear,
I cannot find words to tell you how intense my joy was when Archie brought me your adorable letter. It was such a delightful surprise and I thank you for it with all my heart — you're too sweet to have thought of me and this time I gave no letter to be taken for you, such a shame.

Fancy your having sat near me writing the letter, not for a minute did I guess it was for me. I only wondered how quickly you were writing to Victoria. The night was a lonely one and each time I woke up and put my hand out, I touched cold pillow instead of a dear warm hand and nobody to shake and poke and bother by waking up. When you drove off I looked from the corridor window like in the morning when you rode.

I miss your kisses frightfully and hated to see you start off alone on that sad journey — each time we part it is for a sad reason and therefore doubly hard to let you go alone. My thoughts do not leave you for an instant and I can imagine with what feelings you approach Moscow. My heart aches for you and I know how your night will be — could I have flown over to clasp you in my arms and to shower kisses upon you and to tell you of my great love and how it daily grows and grows, filling up my whole life.

But he, the dear boy is at peace and rest now, away from life's sorrows and free from all sufferings. One cannot wish him back again to continue his solitary life. I am sure that he and your darling Father are now nearer to you than ever and that they grieve to see you suffering all. But think what a stay and comfort you are to poor little Motherdear and having you near her will help her too. If my love can be of any comfort let me tell it you over and over again — I love you, I love you, with all my heart and mind and soul and with passion and tenderness.

The little girlies have been here — such a pity that you cannot see Olga on her namesday. Xenia's children will take tea with them and then I shall take Baby down in the lift to them. I can write no more. Stana is coming. It poured hard, is colder, water high, but now sunshine, cannot be on the balcony. Goodbye and God bless you. I cover your precious face and every little dear place with tender kisses and remain your own old Wify for ever and ever.
Alix


Above: Nicholas and Alexandra with their daughters the Grand Duchesses Olga, Tatiana and Maria Nikolaevna, year 1899.


Above: Grand Duke George.

Alexandra's letter to Nicholas and his replies, year 1898

Source:

A Lifelong Passion, letters and diary entries compiled by Andrei Maylunas and Sergei Mironenko

Alexandra wrote this letter to Nicholas on September 20, 1898 during a stay at Livadia Palace in the Crimea. Nicholas had left for Copenhagen to attend the funeral of his maternal grandmother, Queen Louise of Denmark. Nicholas replied in the following days, giving Alexandra updates telling her about his journey, accommodations, the funeral, and, of course, how much he missed her.

The letter:

My own precious beloved Darling
You will read these lines when the horrid train will be carrying you always further and further away from poor Wify.

Our first separation since the marriage — I am frightened of it, I cannot bear the idea of your going away so far without me. But I must not grumble Motherdear is in great sorrow and needs your comfort and your presence is also wished for by poor Apapa — what a joy still to think that you can be of use and help to others in grief. My thoughts will not forsake you for one instant and my tender prayers will surround. God bless and protect you, my own treasure, my lovy dear, and may He watch over you with his Angels.

I cannot bear to think what will become of me without you — you who are my one and all, who make up all my life. I shall write to you every day, so as that you can sometimes have a word from me when you are with all the others. It will seem to you like bygone years, only two beloved Ones are no more — how you will miss poor Amama — God help and comfort you! If they only do not keep you too long, tho' I understand poor Motherdear longing to have you near and to be able to pour out her heart to you. Kiss her fondly from me.

How horrid all will seem, so empty and sad — the nights all alone — send me a blessing before you sleep, I shall always do so for you — the winds will bring it you. Take care of yourself lovy sweet and come back well and strong to me.

It seems as tho' you should never get any quiet and rest just you who need it so much. I shall count the days and hours and may they pass as quickly as these weeks have, tho' I muchly doubt it. Oh, how I love you, my own precious Huzy dear, ever deeper, stronger, purer. I never dreamt that our married life would have been so perfect, such utter happiness your love has brought me. Our dear little Girlies will have to comfort me.

Oh, Nicky, my Manny, this separation is hard, and I did want you to rest and us to live a quiet life of love. If I only knew whether something is beginning with me or not. God grant it may be so, I long for it and so does my Huzy too, I think. Our last night together, and then all alone for two long weeks — but I am selfish to grumble and make you still sadder. Your journey is hard enough and the arrival will be awful, and I shall not be near you to kiss and comfort you and hold you tight in my loving arms.

I shall often telegraph you out of the 'Unicode' and on the journey too, to tell you how we got back here, and you will too sometimes, won't you — letters I shall send daily to Bernsdorff and then Libau on the way home, it will be a comfort to write to you, I am too much accustomed to tell you every trifle, that I cannot suddenly stop doing so. I shall sleep in your cabin on the Standart and feel nearer your heart and thoughts then, my own adored Nicky love.

Oh my 'dushka', to see your dear big sad eyes makes me wretched — ach, why cannot I go with you — but [what] was I to do with Irène who had made that long journey on purpose so as to see me before her great voyage. My absence won't be regretted there by any of the rest, as I am still somewhat a stranger amongst them all — and now they want to have only those there whom they were accustomed to see around poor Amama. Goodbye now my angel, my own true love, my joy, my Nicky, I kiss you and kiss you, your own Wify for ever and ever.

Nicholas's replies:

September 22
My own beloved sweet Wify,
I cannot thank you enough for your tender dear long letter which you left me in the train. I read it after I lost sight of the launch that was taking you away on board the yacht. That was a horrid moment. Did you see me wave my cap out of the window? I followed you until you got into the boat but after that I lost sight of you in the dark. I stood there at the window until we passed Inkerman, where the bells were ringing. The moon shone beautifully and the harbour looked too lovely with the lit up ships — especially the Standart. I just got your first dear telegram from Livadia, it is comforting to know you safely at home!

God grant I may meet you there as quickly as possible. After all it is a long journey. How sad I am not to see your sweet beloved face — I cannot tell you. It is true, we are so accustomed to being constantly together, that now we are separated, I feel lost. Have you been unwell or not?

September 23
Deary mine! Yesterday I walked at one of the stations, where we got out then together and gathered small shells off the ground. The shells and a tiny doll of the children's remained in your cabin here on the table. I like to look at them because they remind me of my Wify. In the evenings (you were right in saying that) I feel still more lost and lonely. Iman and I we wander about our carriage and sit on your bed and think of those we have left behind! I read a good deal, otherwise I play Besique with Fatty while the other four play vindt. It is beastly cold and raining outside, such a difference from what we had in Livadia. All the trees are so yellow and in general everything looks dreary without my own beloved darling.

Not for a second does the vision of your angelic face leave my mind and whatever I do, I always think you are somewhere near me! In the evenings we sit together and play cards, like in the afternoons — it happens to me even then to feel my eyes suddenly become moist and a lump rise in my throat, all that because poor Huzy is alone! Alone!

September 24
We have just arrived at Libau — it is fine but cold and rather windy; but what does it all matter since my sweety is not with me. I am writing to you now in my cabin on board the dear Polar Star — the two little inscriptions on the windows have remained as they were. My darling — I miss you so dreadfully and I am so jealous of the Feldjäger who is bringing this letter — that he will see you, my adored Wify!

Please excuse this stupid letter of mine, my darling, but as it was begun three days ago it is difficult to continue in the same swing.

I love you, I love you, pray for you and think of you night and day. I kiss you and Olga and Tatiana tenderly. Give my love to Irène and my compliments to everyone.
Ever your own truly loving Huzy Nicky

God bless you and the children!

September 26/27
Here I am, arrived at last after that endless voyage by rail and sea, sitting at the same table as two years ago, in the big middle room, which was our sitting room then in 1896. This is my room now, Aunt Thyra is my neighbour to the right (Mama's old room) and Aunt Alix is to left in our bedroom! Everything reminds me so painfully of my sweet little Wify, that I could cry, knowing you to be so far away.

The yacht anchored at a place near Copenhagen called 'Bellevue' — a small pier and a few houses. My astonishment was great when on landing I was met by dear Apapa, Mama and the whole family. They all looked more cheery and less worn out than I imagined. As soon as we drove up to the house, they led me into the bedroom where stands the coffin, shut up, and surrounded by masses of flowers and wreaths which looks very pretty. Still I must say it seems sad to me to think that the body does not remain in a church near by — I think it would be preferable in every respect. Poor Apapa looks remarkably fresh, he goes into that room constantly and then takes long long walks — to which of course the family accompanies him.

The reason of the delay of the funeral is that everything concerning the burial, black cloth garments, catafalque etc. have been lost in a fire that occurred some 12 years ago and the ceremonials have disappeared! Apapa wants the funeral to be a state ceremony and they therefore need such a long time to get these preparations ready. When I come back I shall tell all I have heard from Mama and the others about poor Amama's last days — touchingly sad!!

This instant they brought me your sweet long letter. I thank you from my heart for every line of love in it and for the flower. Yesterday on arriving here I already found your dear letter from on board the Standart, I think, N140. Today I received N141.

My sweet darling I love you too madly and deeply for words.
Nicky

September 28
When I see all the other young couples together I feel so forlorn and out of the place. But I am quite sure that not one of those husbands loves his wife so strongly and devotedly as I love my Alix!

Your name is continually used here (Aunt Alix and little Alix of Cumberland) and that makes me start up every time and gives me a shock. Fancy Boysy is so sad that he is alone, that it has made me forget about his very existence. He sends his respects to lady. ...

I never cease praying for you and our sweet little daughters and every night in my bed I send you three my fondest kisses and blessings.

Ever your own truly loving and passionately devoted old lausbub and Huzy
Nicky


Above: Nicholas and Alexandra, year 1898.



Above: Grand Duchesses Olga and Tatiana Nikolaevna, year 1898.


Above: Dowager Empress Marie Feodorovna, formerly Princess Dagmar of Denmark (1847-1928), Nicholas's mother and Alexandra's mother-in-law.


Above: Queen Louise of Denmark (1817-1898), Marie Feodorovna's mother and Nicholas's grandmother.



Above: King Christian IX of Denmark (1818-1906), Marie Feodorovna's father and Nicholas's grandfather.



Above: Princess Alexandra "Alix" of Wales, future Queen of England and former Princess of Denmark (1844-1925), Nicholas's aunt and also Alexandra Feodorovna's aunt.



Above: Thyra, Duchess of Cumberland, former Princess of Denmark (1853-1933), Nicholas's aunt.



Above: Princess Alexandra "Alix" of Cumberland (1882-1963), Nicholas's cousin.



Above: Bernstorff Palace in Gentofte near Copenhagen in Denmark.

Thursday, July 25, 2019

Alexandra's letter to Marie Feodorovna, dated April 17, 1896

Alexandra wrote this letter to her mother-in-law, the Dowager Empress Marie Feodorovna, on April 17, 1896.

Source:

mashkaromanova on Tumblr

https://mashkaromanova.tumblr.com/post/184524438185/maria-feodorovna-and-alexandra-feodorovna-1896

The letter:

Darling sweet Mother dear,
I cannot tell you how delighted I was when the Feldjäger brought me your dear letter; I never thought you would find time to answer it. So poor dear Georgy has again not been so well, but I am sure it must be a comfort to you to be near him at least. What a misfortune it is, and when he was just feeling better again. God grant he may soon be quite strong and well again, so that you can quietly enjoy your stay at Turbie, and are not constantly worried on his account.

Baby is flourishing and kisses her beloved Grandmama. I hope she can go out as soon as it gets a little warmer. Everything reminds me here so much of when she was born, and it is so strange to see her such a big, fat little creature, laughing and cooing away. Whilst we have our breakfast I give her hers. She weighs now a little more than Irina, but is of course not as long. Xenia and Sandro are coming for two nights as he is ‘du jour’ on Sunday; that day there will be a dinner for Ferdinand. Grandmama wrote to me how delighted she has been to see you after so many years.

The goodies you sent are excellent and I thank you for them ever so much! Kiss you very tenderly, I remain, Darling Mother dear, your deeply devoted Child. Alix. God bless you!


Above: Marie Feodorovna, year 1896.


Above: Alexandra, year 1896. Photo courtesy of Tatiana Z on Flickr.


Above: Alexandra with her eldest daughter Olga, year 1896. Photo courtesy of Tatiana Z on Flickr.

Alexandra's letter to Ernst, dated June 30/July 12, 1895

Alexandra wrote this letter to her brother Ernst on July 12 (Old Style date June 30), 1895.

Source:

mashkaromanova on Tumblr

https://mashkaromanova.tumblr.com/post/186186946965/crop-of-alexandra-sunny-feodorovna-1895

The letter:

My darling Ernie,
I just this minute received your dear letter, for which I now hasten to send you my very tenderest thanks. You were a great dear to have written to me, & have made me intensely happy. I hope you will find this letter at beloved old Wolfsgarten on your arrival. To think that for the first time you will be there without your old Sunny, makes me quite melancholy. My sweet little house! Will Baby occupy it? — And my dear rooms & the pretty creepers you had planted on the walls! — How sad Ducky will not be there with you from the first. Well Zwilling & you will be able to see more of each other like that, it will be like two years' ago. Only I cannot understand her being separated from you — I should feel terribly sad & lost without my darling Nicky. —

Ducky's sittingroom must look charming, since you had the one wall broken through — but how different to when beloved Papa lived there. If you knew how I miss him! It seems often to me still like a dream, & I cannot believe that I shall never see him again in this world; when you go to the Rosenhöhe, think of me, will you? —

My tiny one hops like mad sometimes, & makes me feel quite giddy, & gives me stiches (downstairs) when I walk. — At last a fine day, after storms and cold. — Madelaine has returned & you can imagine how I questioned her about everything & everyone. — I picked lots of Eierpilze & Steinpilze & strawberries to-day, whilst Nicky went on his bicycle. — I wonder whether you two will ride much now — it was so nice when Zwilling once or twice joined Thora, Riedesel & me.

Please give Zw: my best love & I shall think of him much now at Wolfsgarten & hope he will enjoy his stay — only grieve I cannot be there too to welcome him. — Kissing you very tenderly, I remain, my darling old Boy, yr deeply devoted Sunny.

[P. S.] Orchie is very well & quite contented here. —


Above: Alexandra, year 1895. Photo courtesy of Tatiana Z on Flickr.


Above: Ernest.

Notes: "Eierpilz" = chanterelle

"Steinpilz" = porcini

Alexandra's letter to Ernst, dated June 28/July 10, 1895

Alexandra wrote this letter to her brother Ernst on July 10 (Old Style date June 28), 1895.

Source:

mashkaromanova on Tumblr

https://mashkaromanova.tumblr.com/post/186186946965/crop-of-alexandra-sunny-feodorovna-1895

The letter:

Darling Ernie dear,
By the time this letter reaches England, I suppose you will have returned from Aldershot, where I saw by the papers that you were going. Last year Grandmama took Nicky & me, & we enjoyed it immensely. It was such fun spending the night in the pavillion, & the dinner with all the generals in a room like a tent, & Granny heading the table — it looked so curious. — If you only have fine weather for the review. —

I believe I am spelling impossibly to-day, if so, kindly forgive your naughty Sunny. — At last it is clearing up again, for two days we have had a storm, howling wing, pouring rain & high waves. — The Schauerbock with wife & Mavra lunched here yesterday, & I asked him lots about Adolf, the Regent! — What did you say to Plençon at the Sate Concert? Did he sing well? — I play very little now, I miss you & Gretchen with whom I played such a lot. Sometimes I strum away in the afternoon a bit & croak away — I fear I am going backwards shockingly. —

I wish you could see this little room, it is too sweet & cozy. — To-day it is Wednesday, so I get no German & English papers, owing to Sunday. — Do you return straight to the Wolfsgarten, & does Zwilling turn up too? — Nicky has still a great deal to do — for nearly two hours he sat with his Siberian comitty this afternoon, & in the morning he had ministers & receptions, & as soon as he does not walk enough, he gets quite pale. —

For over a month I have heard nothing from Ella, tho' she lives in the same country, & from you neither, but I know how you hate writing; only if you could manage to send me a tiny note you would make me unspeakably happy. I long to know how you are. — It is so sad suddenly hearing nothing from one with whom one has been so much to-gether & whom one dearly loves, & whose interests are as one's own. I miss you my old Ernie dear & long to hear direct from you about your life & projects of wh. you have, I am sure, a lot. —

But enough for to-day. Kissing you & darling Ducky, I remain, Beloved Ernie dear, yr deeply devoted & tenderly loving old Sister Sunny.

[P. S.] Don't you crave for your Baby.


Above: Alexandra in court dress, year 1895. Photo courtesy of Tatiana Z on Flickr.


Above: Ernest.


Alix's letter to Ernst, dated July 14, 1887

Alix wrote this letter to her brother Ernst on July 14, 1887.

Source:

mashkaromanova on Tumblr

https://mashkaromanova.tumblr.com/post/186278614030/princess-alix-alicky-of-hesse-and-by-rhine

The letter:

My darling old Ernie,
We were all so thankful and pleased to hear, that you had had a good passage. I must say that I was rather afraid about it, as it was windy here, and a bad crossing by day, is not lovely. — The house is so empty now, and we all miss you so very much, especially you. — Excuse these smears, but I am in a hurry, as have been trying on, & after this most write some more letters, and then it is time for luncheon. It is very warm to-day. —

Yesterday we went to the garden party at Hatfield (Lord Salisbury). They showed us about the house, which is charming & most interesting. — Many relations were there, Indians &c. — Daisy went with her Parents to London & opened a Children's Ball. She enjoyed herself, but was very shy, Aunt said, & did not speak. She got a Bouquet with Daises. — I shall write soon again, when I have more time, & tell you the news. —

How is old Darmstadt looking? If you see darling Toni, give her much tender love from me, and say, that I hope she has not quite forgotten her old Friend. Now darling Ernie, Adio, with hearty love to Victoria & Louis, Ever your own loving little Alicky.

P. S. My best congratulations for Uncle Alexander on the 15th, & to Marie E. A kiss for Baby.


Above: Alix, year 1887. Photo courtesy of Tatiana Z on Flickr.


Above: Alix with Ernest, year 1887.

Alexandra's letter to Ernst, dated July 12/24 1896

Alexandra wrote this letter to her brother Ernst on July 24 (Old Style date July 12), 1896.

Source:

mashkaromanova on Tumblr

https://mashkaromanova.tumblr.com/post/186513498540/heavily-edited-photo-of-nicholas-nicky-ii

The letter:

My darling Ernie,
It is sad never hearing from each other after one has been to-gether again for a time, so I will write to you now. — How delightful that stay at Illinskoe was, what quiet & calm — we have not had such a peaceful time since our marriage, I think, except last autumn. No sooner back than worries & troubles begin again, no wonder that Nicky gets paler, ceaseless cares weary one out. Would people only kindly leave him in peace & let him decide & think for himself, all would be well, but no, nag, nag on it goes all day long about something or another, all falls on him.

Life never is easy but indeed in such a position as his less than ever. When we can at last get to my dear, beloved old home he can rest for awhile again & gather strength for the winter. — It seems so strange scarcely ever seeing a face known so well at Illinskoe! — Sunday & Monday we shall be at Krasnoe & then for six days off to Nizni Novgorod — the heat I fear will be intense & we shall be all day on our legs — I don't at all like leaving sweet Baby behind — but you had to do it to, it is true — never the less I do not care for the idea. —

The dear, merry little thing is such a comfort to me, when one feels sad & depressed. How is your precious Child, does she talk more now? — Baby begins taking other food besides now 3 times a day & has a salt bath every morning according to my wish, as I want her to be as strong as possible having to carry such a plump little body. —

We often dine out here on an island, at the mill, Babigon & elsewhere, wh. makes a nice change, then drive & before going to bed N. & I play Puff. — We are out every morning at 8 or 8.30, he rides or we drive to-gether, I take him or Schneiderlein in my cart with one or 2 beasts. — The heat is very great, one feels decrepid. How delighted dear Ducky must have been to see Sandra, & is she happy & contented? Kiss Ducky from me very tenderly & tell her to try and love your old Sister a tiny bit. No more now, Goodbye & God bless you. —

Ever my Ernie dear, yr deeply loving old Sunny.


Above: Nicholas and Alexandra with their eldest child, Olga, year 1896. Photo courtesy of Tatiana Z on Flickr.


Above: Ernest.



Above: Princess Victoria Melita, Ernest's then-wife, year 1896. Her nickname was Ducky.

Alix's letter to Ernest, dated July 25, 1894

Alix wrote this letter to her brother Ernest on July 25, 1894.

Source:

mashkaromanova at Tumblr

https://mashkaromanova.tumblr.com/post/186537677610/princess-alix-sunny-of-hesse-and-by-rhine

The letter:

My darling Ernie dear,
I am going to send you these lines by messenger. All alone I sit here & I write, feeling very low and unhappy, as I parted from beloved Nicky, Monday-night. — No, Ernie, how I love that dear boy, is not to be described, he is such an angel, always loving, good & kind. — All like him, & Granny says I must consider myself very lucky to have him & so on. My comfort is, I am at least coming home — on the 31st on the Victoria & Albert, off we go — I am dying to see you & little Ducky & dear old Wolfsgarten.

Look here, Ernie, A. Helena begged so much that you would invite Thora to Wolfsgarten, what am I to do, I said I should write to you. The girl said nothing, but I know she would like to. If you 2 don’t mind having her, you might ask her from August 12 for a fortnight? But please answer by telegram, or better still, you both telegraph to her, can you come from 13th for 2 weeks to us? — Forgive my bothering you, only please telegraph immediately you get his, whether you will wire to her to come or not; don’t forget it. — Bless you. A good kiss fr. yr. loving, lonely Sunny.

[P. S.] I feel more Rainy than Sunny without my sweet Nicky. — A kiss to Ducky & love to Wilhelmino.


Above: Alix, year 1895. Photo courtesy of Tatiana Z on Flickr.


Above: Ernest.

Alexandra's letter to Ernst, dated January 7/19, 1895

Alexandra wrote this letter to her brother Ernst on January 19 (Old Style date January 7), 1895.

Source:

mashkaromanova at Tumblr

https://mashkaromanova.tumblr.com/post/186540198050/alexandra-sunny-feodorovna-1895-my-darling

The letter:

My darling Ernie dear,
I send you my very tenderest thanks for your sweet letter the Admiral brought. How glad I was to see him & hear about you dear ones, you can imagine — it was nice of you seing him so often & letting him live in the Schloss. I am sure you must have noticed his funny walk — poor man was wounded in the war inside of both legs. —

It is such a pitty Aunt Alix had to leave — really she acted as A. Minny's comforting angel, & she misses her sadly, — we sit now more with her — yesterday we took tea upstairs & then Nicky read to us till 7 — a most interesting French book about Prince Eugène, it shows one Napoleon in quite another light — how kind & nice he could be. He arranged the marriage between Eugène & the Elector Max's daughter, as he was made King. Nap: letters to her of affection & telling her to care for her health, giving her advice & so on — I never imagined such a soft side to his character.

Then in the evening we sat with her from 8-11½, talking, working & she & I play Halma, I fear I usually am disrespectful enough as to win usually. Misha remains till 9½ or 1- & arranges little electric lamps & all sorts of things & pricks ones, & what does he not still do! — I am sitting by the window in the big armchair in a corner, half-hidden by the screen — & dream of my sweet home. Beloved Nicky has got his aggravating people — in the morning I don't see him for two hours, but in the afternoon whilst he usually reads his heaps of papers from the ministers, I look through the begging letters, of which there are not few & cut out the stamps, & if do not do it tidily am slightly reproved.

I get the Darmstadter Zeitung wh. I greedily devower — every bit of news interests me, & yesterday I saw then announced the death of Sophie v. Rotzmann — do tell Georgiana how grieved I was to hear of her Aunt's death — old Mme du Thil's cousin, — & Uncle Alexander's friend. My beloved (Jucker coachman) Berthalot I see has been promoted to real coachman. You see how I follow everything & Finger's 70th birthday — had I now it sooner  I should have telegraphed — do tell him so next Wednesday with kind messages & good wishes.

Yesterday was the day the river is blessed, but it was quietly done this year & none went. Here there was of course service & the day before too (in commemoration of Christ’s Christening in the river Jordan) & water was blessed & we each got a glass, drank a drop & then keep it in our rooms covered over. Then the old Priest J. & two deacons & some of the Choir go through the whole house & in to all the rooms, & sprinkle them with water, blessing them — a curious old custom done also at Trinity. — Excuse my untidy writing & bad English, but I am half ramolie. — I wonder how the little dances in our house went off. The first, since beloved Papa's death — is it not painful for you, darling, reminding you of the sad service & all hung black? —

Darling Boy, I cannot tell you how much I think of you & miss you. — The 9th month to-day that you are married. — About wh. date do you hope the happy event* to take place? You must be anxious — but I am delighted to hear darling little Ducky is so well. — Xenia I think expects in June — she is very well only paler than usual & I don't think feels ever as sick as poor Ducky did; — her good health now is all owing to Orchie's daily mess she brought her — do tell her that; — did she like Nany's sugar candy?

You can think of how awful the reception on the 1st was. 14 Ladies & heaps of Gentlemen, I thought I should die — to speak French to the most — horrid — & almost every face unknown to me — it lasted over an hour. — I admire my Nicky how well he does it — often enough he has to go through the same ordeal — but Ladies are much the worst — with Gentlemen it is easier — I think 70 on the whole. He spoke to all the men, I only to the Ambassadors & some of the secretarys. By the papers I see Albert Menzdorff is coming — at least someone I know, wh. will be pleasant. The new Austrian Ambassador Prince Lichtenstein is quite charming — I think even taller than Gummibaum with a long fare beard & handsome face. —

Do kiss dear Ducky & thank her for her letter, wh. I shall soon answer. Kissing you very tenderly I remain, Darling, beloved Ernie, yr very loving & devoted Sunny.

[P. S.] God bless you my darling. I hear Fürst Hohenlohe does not intend remaining much longer — whom will they find to replace him? — And Casimir Perrier gone too. — You remember that day of the large dinner when we had later to speak to the people, Admiral Gervais (can't spell his name)? The other day — touching — he sent me a ring with one nice pearl on it inside 'La V. M. règne par le coeur'. Really the French are most amiable, but this was quite privately sent. Love to Abby who I hope it well. He might write to me once. Nicky sends you both his very best love. The Sultan has send us two Arab horses. — Messages to all at home, Mino, Georgiana & the Gentlemen.


Above: Alix, year 1895. Photo courtesy of Tatiana Z on Flickr.


Above: Ernest, year 1894.

Note: "The happy event" refers to the birth of Ernest's child. The baby, Princess Elisabeth of Hesse and by Rhine, was born on March 11, 1895.

Alix's diary entries from her stay in Russia, year 1889 (January 30 to March 20)

In February and March 1889, the 16 year old Alix and her father, Grand Duke Louis of Hesse, went on a six-week trip to Russia. Alix dutifully documented her stay in her diary.

Source:

Transcripts and photos of scans of diary pages courtesy of GARF via Olga Grigor'eva at lastromanovs on VK.

https://vk.com/lastromanovs?w=wall-56510987_43326

https://vk.com/lastromanovs?w=wall-56510987_43364

https://vk.com/lastromanovs?w=wall-56510987_43412

https://vk.com/lastromanovs?w=wall-56510987_43421

https://vk.com/lastromanovs?w=wall-56510987_43430

https://vk.com/lastromanovs?w=wall-56510987_43442

https://vk.com/lastromanovs?w=wall-56510987_43476

https://vk.com/lastromanovs?w=wall-56510987_43513

https://vk.com/lastromanovs?w=wall-56510987_43529

The entries (with corrections from the scans):





JANUAR 30
/8/
Ella & Serge met us at Zarskoe.


Arrived all Grand Dukes & Emperor & Nicky at the station. Drove to Anitchkoff to see Aunt Minny & the other Cousins, & took tea there. —

--





not very cold, but sharp wind.
JANUAR 31
Jan. 19
Thursday. St. Petersburg

Breakfast at 9 1/2 in Ella's Room. — Luncheon at 1, Paul, the ladies & gentlemen came. Then we sat to-gether in Ella's little sitting room.
Then Papa & Ernie payed visits, & Ella & I to-gether. -
1st to Miechen, who was not at home.
2nd to Aunt Sunny & to 3-rd to Elisabeth Mavrikevna.
4th to Eugenia Leuchtenberg. I saw her son. —
5th to Aunt Katty & to 6th Helen of Meklenburg (Helen Scheremeteff was there).
Then had tea. After that sat in my room & drew. Supped at 7 1/2. Looked at Albums & Photos of the last year. 4. Went to bed at а quarter to nine. —

Horrible cold. —

--



Cold
FEBRUAR 1
Jan. 20th

Friday.
St. Petersburg

Breakfast at 9 1/2. — Painted, whilst Ella had her Russian Lesson with Fräulein Schneider. — Then drove with her, & walked along the English Qay. Cold & sunny. Cold very bad. — Luncheon at 1, like yesterday. Ella saw some Ladies. Then we sat in my room & I wrote, whilst Papa wrote, & Ella drew. —
Supper at 7 1/2. —

Bed headache & throat in the night.

--





cold
FEBRUAR 2 Jan. 21
Saturday
St. Petersburg

Breakfast in bed, because of bad cold. Then went in my sitting room, where I spent the day on the Sopha. Ella & Miss Kitty had their singing lesson, next door. with M-me Kartgoff. Papa came. Had Luncheon alone at 1. Others went out. Wilhelmine payed a little visit, & then Xenia came from 3 1/2 - 5. Had tea to-gether tc. — Then Papa & Ella came, & he read to us in French. -

Supped at 7, the others went to Anitshkov for Supper, & then Papa, Ernie & Nicky to the Circus. Played a little on the Piano, and then to bed at 8. —

--




11 of cold
FEBRUAR 3.
Jan. 22
Sunday

Large
Family Dinner

at Anitchkoff.

--



FEBRUAR 4.
Jan. 23
Monday


Still bed cold.

--



FEBRUAR 6.
Jan. 25
Wednesday


Large Ballet

--



FEBRUAR 7.
Jan. 26
Thursday

Others went to a ball at Anitchkoff.
All in black. —

I not, because of cold. —

--



FEBRUAR 9.
Jan. 28
Saturday
Ella received Ladies, I watched behind the screen.

Skated. — In Anitchkoff.


Family Supper at Wladimirs. Then Ella, Paul, the 3 Wladimir boys & myself, went to the Circus - most amusing. —

--





FEBRUAR 10.
Jan. 29
Sunday. St. Petersburg
Went to the German Church. -
                                 Annenkirche.

Skated & slid down the hills, the afternoon, in Anichkoff garden. & Waranzoffs, Sergé were there. —
Supped at 7 1/2. Then Ella & I went to the Winter Palace where we dressed for the Ball (white & diamonds/white flowers & sash —). —

1. Quadrille with Paul.
2. Costi
3. Sergéi
Round dances with: Derfelden, Costi, Paul, Nicky, Toll, Gadon, Schilling.
Cotillon - Nicky.
Mazurka - Serge etc. —
At Supper sat between the French Ambassador & old General Heyden. —


The Ball was quite delightful, & did not last very long. —

--



FEBRUAR 11.
Jan. 30
Monday. St. P.
Skated.

Went to the Mikado. Given in German.

--



FEBRUAR 12.
Jan.31
Tuesday. St. P.
Skated.

Others went to a party, I to bed. —

--





0/15
FEBRUAR 13.
Feb.1
Wednesday. St. P.

Breakfast at 10.  -
Luncheon at 1. Then Ella received Ladies, & I looked on behind the screen.
Then we skated. Then I went again up to Xenia, watched Micha & Baby having their dancing lesson, & then went in to the boys.

Home at 6. — Supped at 9. Then all to see the "Boccaccio". Charming, pretty, most amusing.
Bocc: was (?). Looked exactly like a boy, & sang very well. —  Had tea in the Entre acte.


at Supper I sat between General Mörder & ? --->

--





0/5
FEBRUAR 14.
Feb.2
Thursday. St. Petersburg

Heard from Victoria.
Breakfast at 10. - Ella & Serge off to a service at the Winter Palace. — I wrote.

Lunched with Papa & Ernie at 12, & then drove in a sledge to the Winter Palace. Fa(?)d the Relations still at Luncheon.
Then Ella, Serge & we three went in the Eremitagé tc, & looked at Pictures tc!
Drove along the (?) home.
Rested. Supped at 9 1/2. Then dressed for the ball at Anichkoff.
(salmon. roses)
(pink - prim) -

1. Quadrille with Serge.
2. - // - Nicky.
3. - // - Poul.
4. - // - Steinbock.
Mazurka Gadon.
Cotillon Derfelden.

Round dances:
Ernie, Nicky, Schilling, Paul tc.
At Supper sat between Mörder & ? —


Received many lovely flowers & 3 Ribbons. - Home at 4. Papa & Ernie changed & went the directly shooting.

--





FEBRUAR 15.
Feb. 3
Friday. St. Petersburg

Got up at about 12. Lunched at 1, & at 2 Ella & I drove to Anitchkoff, where the hand & Zichy played. He with his left hand. Several Ladies with their Daughters at there. Then we changed dresses in Xenia's room & skid then down the hills, - Georgie now also. —

When Ella went home, I staied with Xenia, supped with her & Micha, & as they went to the Opera at 8, I went home - Played the Piano and sang and then wrote. —

--



FEBRUAR 17

2. Concert Ball. (White with gold. Apple blossom. emeralds diamonds).

1. Quadrille. Serge.
2. // Nicky.
3. // Costi.
4. // Uncle Miche.
Mazurka. C. Abalensky.
Cotillon. Ozeroff. —

Round Dances. Nicky, Paul, Derfelden, Stepanoff tc.


Set between the French Ambassador, old Counte Hezden at Supper.

--





FЕBRUAR 19
Maurier Ball. (white. blue sash & bows. pearls)

1. Quadrille . V. Dolgoruky
2. // Paul.
3. // Nicky.
4. // Derfelden.
Mazurka. Serge.

Round Dances. Ernie, Nicky, Serge, Adlerberg, C. Abalensky, P. Oldenburg tc.

At Supper sat between Serge & Nicky.

--





FЕBRUAR 21
Thursday
1st Parade

Eremitage Ball. (blue. diamonds. green in the hair)

1. Quadrille - Abalensky (Hofmarschall)
2. // Nicky
3. // Meientdorf.
Mazurka. Schilling
Cotillon. Junkofsky.


Round Dances. Papa, Ernie, Nicky, Paul, Derfelden, Frankinberg, Gadon tc. —

--



FЕВRUAR 23
Saturday

2nd Parade

--





FЕBRUAR 24
Sunday

Ella & Serge's Dance. (short pink pearls)

1. Quadrille - Sergé.
2. // Hartung.
3. // Gadon.
4. // Abalensky (Preob.)
Mazurka. Nicky.
Cotillon. Schilling.

Round Dances. Ernie, Nicky, Serge, Paul, Stepanof, Schilling, Gadon, Hartung, Frankenberg, Junkofsky, Derfelden tc.


At Supper sat between Nicky & (?)

--




FEBRUAR 26
Tuesday

Preobrajenski Ball (white & gold dotted. poppies, diamonds, emeralds)

12 Quadrille Junkowski
2. // Sergei
3. // Toll?
4. // Nicky's Colonel. Ozeroff.
Maz. C. Abalensky
Cot: Adlerberg.

At Supper sat between C. Abalensky & P. Dolgorouky


Brooch!

--



FEBRUAR 27
Wednesday

(short. half (?)
Pink & green. wild roses. star.)

Arseniew's Dance 5 1/2 - 10

1. Quadrille Philosophof.
2. // Arseniew.
Mazurka Stepanof.
Cotill: Nicky.

Round Dances.
Nicky, Paul, Stepanof, Arseniew, (?), Abalenski (Preob.) Pr. Galitzin tc.


Sat between Stepanof & Papa at Supper.

--



FEBRUAR 28
Thursday

III Concert Ball, to wh. I did not go. —

--



FEBRUAR 29
Friday
(Salmon pearls, diamonds, saphires)

M-me Narishkin's Ball

1. Quadr.: Sergei.
2. // Petia Oldenburg.
3. // Ozeroff.
Maz.: Abalenski (Hofn.)
Cotill: Meiendorf.

Round Dances.
Papa, Ernie, Nicky, Paul, C. Abalensky tc —

Sat between Pr. Abalenski (Hofn.) & ?

--



MÄRZ 1
Saturday

Skated every afternoon.

--





MÄRZ 3
(Short, half, cut out,
pink, pearls, diamond
halfmoon & star tc.)

Folle Journée,
Ball at Zarskoe. 3-12

1. Quadrille: Philosophof.
2. // : Paul.
3. // : Costi.
4. // : Abalensky.
Maz.: Nicky.
Cotill.: C. Abalensky.
1. Quad.: Djunkowsky.
2. // Meiendorf.
3. // Schilling.
Maz.: Sergei. —

Round Dances.
Serge. Costi. Nicky. Ernie. (?), Frankenberg, C. Abalensky, Abalensky, Schilling, tc.
1st Supper sat between Nicky & Galizine.

2nd // Sergei & (?).

--




MÄRZ 4

Head of Sandro's Marriage to J. Loisinger. Meiland.

--



MÄRZ 6

Skated.

--



MÄRZ 7

Badminton

--





MÄRZ 9
Saturday
Ella went before Breakfast with the Family to Church, as they had the Communion.
At 12, Papa, Ernie, she & I went to the German Church, & took the holy Communion.
I lunched alone. Bad headache. Went for a turn in Anitchkoff, when the others had finished skating. Went then to the Boys, & Xenia & had tea with them. Sergéi was there. — Rested. Supper at 7 1/2. Later then Boys came over for Badminton.

To bed at about 12. —

--





MÄRZ 10
Feb. 26.
Sunday
Uncle Sasha's Birthday. —
Went at 11 to the Service at Anitchkoff (square, long white satin). — Dinner there. Then skated. Then boys & Girls came us (?). Went home for tea.
Family dinner at Anitchkoff (long, square. white silk). —
Boys came over for Badminton.

To bed very late. —

--





MÄRZ 11
Monday
Said Goodbye to Aunt Minny, payed visits & then skated. Went to the Cousins for the last time to Tea. Sad but true. Romped. Played Wolf & Scheep t. Home at 9. Supper.

Off to see the "Rheingold" by Wagner. Der Truppe von Bogrenth. — Cousins did not go. -

--





MÄRZ 12
Tuesday
Luncheon. Dressed. U. Micha & Sergéi were there for Luncheon.
Emperor & both Boys came, & then he took Papa; Nicky took Ernie, Georgy t. Sergei, Ella, Serge, & I to-gether. — The Family at the station. Very sad. Said Goodbye.


Ella & Serge went out far as Gatchina with us. Mörder & Derfelden as far as the frontier.

--



MÄRZ 13
Thic (?) & snow
Frontier

--


MÄRZ 20
Wednesday
Received the happy news, that Irène had become Mother of a little Boy.
Orchie's B.D.
Grosspapa's Death Day.


Above: Alix and her father, year 1889.



Above: Alix, year 1889.



Above: Empress Marie Feodorovna, born Princess Dagmar of Denmark.



Above: Tsar Alexander III and Empress Marie Feodorovna.



Above: Alix's older sister, Grand Duchess Elisaveta (Elisabeth) Feodorovna, nicknamed Ella.



Above: Ella with her husband Serge.