Sources:
Alexandra Feodorovna: Diaries and Correspondence, volume 2: Engagement and Marriage, 1894, pages 216 to 217, by George Hawkins, 2023
George Hawkins at Letters and writings of Nicholas II and his family on Facebook
The letter:
Peterhof
July 25/Aug 6 1894
No 57
My sweet Alixy-dear,
I am only just back from Xenia's marriage! She, Sandro's wife — too stunning an idea for words! But still I am delighted for them both, because the poor creatures have waited really long enough! We all went to the big palace a little before 3 o'clock and there her wedding-dress was put on with a mantle over it, that four gentlemen had to carry, a crown on the head, and long curls hanging down. She looked very nice in that white dress of hers with silver embroidery and the only jewels she put on, except those belonging to the Crown, was our little star, which she pinned on her shoulder!
I was quite astonished when I saw her standing in the middle of the church by his side — she looked so happy and so remarquably calm, not the least shy. She even glanced two or three times towards me and I caught a smile, wh meant to say that she was perfectly delighted that she had at last arrived to this moment, when she stood besides him in front of the altar!
Good God, what a different feeling this one was to that one I had at Ernie and Ducky's wedding! Nicky, Misha, Christian and I held the crown over her, whilst Sandro's four brothers held the other over him. The heat was horrible and poor Ella felt bad and became green, but the service was over very soon and so it went away. We remained the rest of the day at the palace at 6.0 was the great wedding banquet and at 9 a state concert. Figner and his wife also sang — I had to think of my sweetykins.
The fireworks went off too early wh was after all a blessing as every one was dev... tired and we only thought of getting home as quick as possible. We only saw them off in the carriage with four lovely greys (all in a row) and then drove home. It was striking 11 and I was anxious to read lovy's letter that I knew must have come. Thanks, my darling, for writing so much in russian, how well you did it, hardly any faults at all!
The letter in full:
Peterhof
July 25/Aug 6 1894
No 57
My sweet Alixy-dear,
I am only just back from Xenia's marriage! She, Sandro's wife — too stunning an idea for words! But still I am delighted for them both, because the poor creatures have waited really long enough! We all went to the big palace a little before 3 o'clock and there her wedding-dress was put on with a mantle over it, that four gentlemen had to carry, a crown on the head, and long curls hanging down. She looked very nice in that white dress of hers with silver embroidery and the only jewels she put on, except those belonging to the Crown, was our little star, which she pinned on her shoulder!
I was quite astonished when I saw her standing in the middle of the church by his side — she looked so happy and so remarquably calm, not the least shy. She even glanced two or three times towards me and I caught a smile, wh meant to say that she was perfectly delighted that she had at last arrived to this moment, when she stood besides him in front of the altar!
Good God, what a different feeling this one was to that one I had at Ernie and Ducky's wedding! Nicky, Misha, Christian and I held the crown over her, whilst Sandro's four brothers held the other over him. The heat was horrible and poor Ella felt bad and became green, but the service was over very soon and so it went away. We remained the rest of the day at the palace at 6.0 was the great wedding banquet and at 9 a state concert. Figner and his wife also sang — I had to think of my sweetykins.
The fireworks went off too early wh was after all a blessing as every one was dev... tired and we only thought of getting home as quick as possible. We only saw them off in the carriage with four lovely greys (all in a row) and then drove home. It was striking 11 and I was anxious to read lovy's letter that I knew must have come. Thanks, my darling, for writing so much in russian, how well you did it, hardly any faults at all!
I am very pleased with a Lenischen's photos, ain't they awful caricatures? But it is a sweet remembrance for me as it was the first drive we took officially together fr Windsor to Bagshot in that soft barouche!
Now good-night my precious little bridy-dear, it is late and I can scarcely keep my eyes from shutting! Dream gently of your old boysy who gets more and more miserable at not having his Alixy with him. Night-night my darling!
Aug 7. Good-morning my beloved little Alixy! How I wish I were sitting near you at your little house taking breakfast with you! If time would condescend to move on quicker when we are separated and go slower when we are together! Do you know what I have discovered this morning, looking through your letters? That lovykins has made a mistake with the No you put on your letters ever since I left Osborne! Your last one was No 45 fr Harrogate, and that lovely long one you sent me with my man on board the night I went away, you put No 46 on it, and that is wrong! Had you written to me to Sandringham it would have been right because that letter might have been No 46, but as you did not send it off, I have not got that No. wh you have jumped over! I thought my girly-dear did it on purpose to catch me up and have more letters written than poor me, but I have reckoned it out — my darling has made a wee mistake!
You don't know what pleasure you gave me in writing me a whole page out in russian, it touched me deeply, my little Alixy! But meanwhile, childy dear, I must end and fly on my bicycle to my parent's house because they are having their breakfast. I leave for the camp today in the afternoon!
Good-bye and God's blessings upon you, my precious sweet Alix. I love you, I love you, better, fuller, stronger every day! Many tender kisses and loving thanks fr your ever truly devoted and deeply loving loving, your own unto death old boysy
Nicky
Give my fondest love to Ducky and Ernie. Sweety mine, lovy-darling, I am slowly going mad without you!!!
Above: Nicholas and Alix.
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Above: Xenia's wedding to Grand Duke Alexander Mikhailovich.
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