Nicholas's diary entries on the coronation day and the Khodynka tragedy and how he and Alexandra visited the survivors in hospitals, May 1896 (Old Style dates used)

Source:

http://www.historyru.com/docs/rulers/nik-2/nik-2-lt-dnevnik-1896.html#/overview

Above: Nicholas crowns Alexandra during their coronation ceremony.

The diary entries:

13-го мая. Понедельник.

Проснулись с чудесной погодой. К сожалению погулять не успел из-за докладов Лобанова и Горемыкина. Пошли к обедне в 11 ч. Завтракали с Мама и д. Фреди. Гуляли с ними. Сожалели очень покинуть Александрию; именно в ту минуту когда погода стала летнею и зелень начала быстро развиваться. В 3½ уехали в Москву и поселились в Кремле в наших прежних комнатах. Пришлось принять целую армию свит наехавших принцев. В 7 ч. пошли со всем семейством ко всенощной к "Спасу за золотою решеткою". Обедали в 8½ у Мама и ушли пораньше к себе. Исповедались в спальне.

Да поможет нам милосердный Господь Бог, да подкрепит он нас завтра и да благословит на мирно-трудовую жизнь!!!

...

14-го мая. Вторник.

Великий, торжественный, но тяжкий, в нравственном смысле, для Аликс, Мама и меня, день. С 8 ч. утра были на ногах; а наше шествие тронулось только в ½ 10. Погода стояла к счастью дивная; Красное Крыльцо представляло сияющий вид. Все это произошло в Успенском соборе, хотя и кажется настоящим сном, но не забывается во всю жизнь!!! Вернулись к себе в половину второго. В 3 часа вторично пошли тем же шествием в Грановитую палату к трапезе. В 4 часа все окончилось вполне благополучно; душою, преисполненною благодарностью к Богу, я вполне потом отдохнул. Обедали у Мама, которая к счастью отлично выдержала все это длинное испытание. В 9 час. пошли на верхний балкон, откуда Аликс зажгла электрическую иллюминацию на Иване Великом и затем последовательно осветились башни и стены Кремля, а также противоположная набережная и Замоскворечье.

Легли спать рано.

...

18-го мая. Суббота.

До сих пор все шло, слава Богу, как по маслу, а сегодня случился великий грех. Толпа, ночевавшая на Ходынском поле, в ожидании начала раздачи обеда и кружки, наперла на постройки и тут произошла страшная давка, причем, ужасно прибавить, потоптано около 1300 человек!! Я об этом узнал в 10½ ч. перед докладом Ванновского; отвратительное впечатление осталось от этого известия. В 12½ завтракали и затем Аликс и я отправились на Ходынку на присутствование при этом печальном "народном празднике". Собственно там ничего не было; смотрели из павильона на громадную толпу, окружавшую эстраду, на которой музыка все время играла гимн и "Славься".

Переехали к Петровскому, где у ворот приняли несколько депутаций и затем вошли во двор. Здесь был накрыт обед под четырьмя палатками для всех волостных старшин. Пришлось сказать им речь, а потом и собравшимся предводителям двор. Обойдя столы, уехали в Кремль. Обедали у Мама в 8 ч. Поехали на бал к Montebello. Было очень красиво устроено, но жара стояла невыносимая. После ужина уехали в 2 ч.

...

19-го мая. Воскресенье.

... В 2 ч. Аликс и я поехали в Старо-Екатерининскую больницу, где обошли все бараки и палатки, в которых лежали несчастные пострадавшие вчера. Уехали прямо в Александрию, где хорошо погуляли. Выпив там чаю, вернулись назад. ...

...

20-го мая. Понедельник.

... В 3 часа поехал с Аликс в Мариинскую больницу, где осмотрели вторую по многочисленности группу раненых 18-го мая. Тут было 3-4 тяжелых случая. ...

English translations (my own):

May 13th. Monday.

We woke up with wonderful weather. Unfortunately I did not have time to take a walk because of the reports of Lobanov and Goremykin. We went to mass at 11 o'clock. We had breakfast with Mama and uncle Freddy. We walked with them. We were very sorry to leave Alexandria; it was at that moment when the weather turned summery and the greenery began to develop rapidly. At 3½ we left for Moscow and settled in the Kremlin in our former rooms. I had to receive a whole army of retinues of princes who had come. At 7 o'clock we went with the whole family to the vigil to "The Saviour Behind the Golden Bars". We dined at 8½ with Mama and went home early. Confessed in the bedroom.

May the merciful Lord God help us, may He strengthen us tomorrow and may He bless us for a peaceful working life!!!

...

May 14th. Tuesday.

A great, solemn, but difficult day, in the moral sense, for Alix, Mama and me. From 8 o'clock in the morning we were on our feet; and our procession started only at ½ 10. The weather was fortunately wonderful; the Red Staircase was a radiant sight. All this happened in Assumption Cathedral, although it seems like a real dream, but it shall not be forgotten all my life!!! We returned to our place at half past one. At 3 o'clock we went again in the same procession to the Palace of the Facets for the meal. At 4 o'clock everything ended quite well; with a soul filled with gratitude to God, I completely rested afterwards. We dined with Mama, who fortunately passed the whole long trial perfectly. At 9 o'clock we went to the upper balcony, from whence Alix lit an electric illumination on Ivan the Great, and then the towers and walls of the Kremlin, as well as the opposite embankment and Zamoskvorechye, were illuminated in succession.

We went to bed early.

...

May 18th. Saturday.

Until now everything has gone, thank God, like clockwork, but today there was a great sin. The crowd that spent the night on Khodynska Field, waiting for the start of the distribution of dinner and mugs, pressed against the buildings and then there was a terrible crush, and, it is terrible to add, about 1,300 people were trampled!! I learned about this at 10½ o'clock, before Vannovsky's report; a disgusting impression was left from this news. At 12½ we had breakfast and then Alix and I went to Khodynka to attend this sad "folk holiday". Actually there was nothing there; we looked from the pavilion at the huge crowd that surrounded the stage, on which the music played the hymn and "Gloria" all the time.

We moved to Petrovsky, where we received several deputations at the gate and then entered the courtyard. Here a dinner was laid under four tents for all the volost elders. I had to say a speech to them, and then to the assembled leaders of the courtyard. Bypassing the tables, we left for the Kremlin. We dined with Mama at 8 o'clock. We went to the ball at Montebello's. It was very beautifully arranged, but the heat was unbearable. After dinner we left at 2 o'clock.

...

May 19th. Sunday.

... At 2 o'clock yesterday Alix and I went to the Staro-Ekaterininsky hospital, where we went around all the barracks and tents in which the unfortunate victims lay. We went straight to Alexandria, where we had a good walk. After drinking tea there, we returned back. ...

...

May 20th. Monday.

... At 3 o'clock I went with Alix to the Mariinsky hospital, where we looked at the second largest group of the wounded on May 18th. There were 3-4 severe cases. ...

Excerpts from Kate Koon's letter to her parents on the coronation day, dated May 14/26, 1896

Source:

Russian coronation, 1896: the letters of Kate Koon (Bovey) from the last Russian coronation, pages 19 to 25, privately printed in Minneapolis, 1942

https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=wu.89095920781&view=1up&seq=43&skin=2021

The letter excerpts:

Moscow, Tuesday, May 26th, 1896
Dear Papa and Mama:
The grandest day of my life was also the most important day in the life of Nicholas II, the Czar of the Russians. According to the Julian calendar used in Russia this is May 14, for there is a difference of twelve days between it and the Gregorian calendar used in the United States. ...

At four o'clock I woke up to find the promise of a glorious, warm day, and I got up for good at five (not 4:30 for we begged off a half hour), had breakfast at six, ate as many boiled eggs as I possibly could, put on as many warm clothes as possible, saw that my blue satin train, with its bunches of pink poppies and its ruche of blue tulle was nicely hung over my left arm, and then tucked myself into the carriage with three other equally corpulent bundles of silk and satin, and away we went. Unfortunately we went to the wrong gate, and when finally we alighted from the carriage we had to sachet up and down rows of men, through masses of people and past tribunes or stands full of very plainly dressed women, until we could find some one who understood what particular place our tickets called for. We felt rather odd being so over dressed until finally some man, glittering with gold, escorted us to our seats and we found we had the best place in the entire Kremlin enclosure.

The tribune, in the second story of which we sat, faced the Kremlin square, which was surrounded by three churches, the famous Red Staircase leading to the palace and the stands which had been erected in all the possible spaces, completed the surroundings of the square. There was almost no one in the Diplomatic tribune when we arrived, although it was a little after seven. We got our seats in the second row, and when we had settled ourselves with our trains heaped in our laps, we began to take in the gorgeous sight spread out before us.

The brilliant crimson red carpet which covered the stairway to the palace also covered the steps and platforms which formed the entrance to the three churches, then ran across the square in two long pieces which divided the open space into four parts and made a regal path in all directions. The bright blue sky contrasted with the brilliant gold of the many domes which rose on all sides. In one direction we could catch sight of a bit of country, where the hazy green was a great change from the brightness of our immediate surroundings. Already the square was filling with people, and more kept coming in from all sides. The gorgeous red, white and gold uniforms of the guards, who lined the edges of the crimson carpet wherever it was laid were quite put to shame as the many representatives of the various oriental countries began to arrive, for when it comes to rich velvets, gold and silver cloths, the orientals certainly outshine every one else. If the ambassadors and the naval and military representatives (one from each country) were Christians, they and their wives were given tickets for the Cathedral of the Assumption, where the crowning of the Czar took place. Those who were not Christians were not allowed in the church but were, like ourselves, given tickets for the stand reserved for the rest of the diplomatic corps and for distinguished visitors on the official lists of the various ambassadors. It was in this way that we saw in the crowd near us some of the richly costumed men of the East. ... There were people from northern Russia who had on great heavy coats with huge fur collars. There were Persians, each wearing a black fez, Turks with their red ones, Bokharans with white or colored turbans and gowns of the richest stuffs, Koreans with the queerest black headdresses, Hussars with gold and fur trimmed coats hanging from their shoulders, and Caucasians in their long red coats. From the steppes of Siberia there were men whose hats were like sombreros. There were people from all the nations on the earth, forming the most interesting crowd imaginable.

The servants of the court were present in their red and gold suits, and a group of the maids, each looking like a bride in her white gown, stood on one of the distant platforms.

In the tribunes around the square were people in light dresses, and one uncovered tribune out in the sun was a bright picture, for all the women had light parasols and wore very light dresses. It was impossible to count the gentlemen of the court, all in solid masses of gold. They were the shining lights of the scene until the royal party appeared. Not only were the high men of the Russian court gorgeous, but every one in any way connected with the court was a brilliant sight that morning.

The seats in our tribune were soon filled, and the tout ensemble was most gorgeous. The women were brilliant in their court costumes, which we could study well as most of them gradually shed their wraps, for the day continued to grow very warm. Mrs. Roebling and Mrs. Palmer were bedecked with diamond tiaras, as were a group of English and French women behind us and many others around us. We didn't quite know why we had to dress in such an elaborate manner, but we soon found that we were to go to the palace for luncheon after the ceremony. ...

The priests and the metropolitans who are the next after the Czar in rank in the Greek church, robed in cloth of gold, and one wearing a gold and diamond mitre, passed into the Cathedral through a small side door. Soon the gentlemen of the imperial household filed into the church; then a large body of deputies from the different towns marched in. We wondered how the small church was going to hold all of them, together with the royal guests who had not yet gone in. The question was soon solved, for by watching another side door we could see the two processions file out. The diplomats and their wives began to descend the Red Staircase and were escorted by some of the high men of the court. A canopy of gold cloth with yellow, white and black ostrich feathers in great bunches on the top was carried to the foot of the stairway, and following a procession of brilliantly dressed men, the Dowager Empress appeared attired in a gown of embroidered white velvet, her long train carried aloft by a dozen men. Upon her dark hair rested her small crown, a semi-ball of diamonds, which showed to great advantage in the bright sunlight. As soon as she was under the canopy the procession started and moved slowly down the red carpet to the church where the priests were awaiting her. She bowed continually to the people, and when she got to the steps of the church she stepped from under the canopy, the priests came forward, and after she had been touched with holy water, she said some prayer before the icon which was held by one of the golden-gowned priests. She then clasped hands with the metropolitans, one at a time, and each bent down so close to her face it looked as though they kissed her cheek, but I think they only kissed her hand.

Then she passed into the church, followed by her group of women, all in the most gorgeous of gowns and richest of trains. There was quite a long wait, and then the imperial guests appeared, among them a queen, princes and crown princes and their wives, and dukes and grand dukes and their wives, etc., from the various parts of Europe. As our tribune was the nearest to the Cathedral we got a very good view of them.

The young Czar and his wife now appeared on the stairway. He was dressed in a blue uniform with a red ribbon across his breast. At his side was the beautiful Czarina in white wearing her red ribbon and around her neck were magnificent pearls. The people were wild with joy when the young couple came in sight. The Czar stepped first under a larger and more magnificent canopy than that under which his mother had moved. The Czarina walked behind him under the same canopy as they moved slowly to the door of the Cathedral, where they stopped for a long time for holy anointing and for prayers. The priests who had been around in the square throwing holy water upon the people were all in place now in the procession which moved to the door of the tiny Cathedral of the Assumption. We were told that for the next two hours the ceremony of the coronation would continue.

We tried to imagine the various religious parts of the ceremony, which we were told later were very tiresome for the people who had to stand for several hours in the church. We were glad we did not have to do that, but of course we should have been delighted to have seen the actual crowning. Since we could not, we tried to create a mental picture of the way the Czar's mantle was put about his shoulders and how he put his own crown on his head after receiving the benediction from the priests. When he had taken his sceptre and the globe into his hands, he seated himself for a moment upon his throne. The sceptre, crowns and globe we had seen carried on cushions into the church before the ceremony began. His next step was to take off his own crown and place it for a moment upon the Czarina's head, then replace it upon his own and take her small one and crown her. Her mantle was then put on, the bells and the cannon proclaimed to the people the coronation, and so loud was the noise I wonder you did not hear it. I suppose the telegraph announced the news to you across the seas. After more prayers, some singing and service and the congratulations of the family, it was after twelve and the canopies again were brought to the doors, and we knew we should not have to wait much longer.

There had been a good deal about us to interest us, and after a cup of tea we felt quite refreshed.

Now the larger canopy was taken to the side door, and we were quite exercised for a time wondering how we could see everything if they all came out different doors at the same time. We were greatly relieved when we saw the Dowager Empress come alone out of the front door and proceed to the foot of the Red Staircase which she ascended and disappeared, followed by the royal guests. The cheering began near the side door and heralded the coming of the newly crowned pair. Out they came, preceded as usual by the chamberlains and Masters of Ceremonies, etc. The Emperor's crown of diamonds flashed like a veritable sun, as he walked under his awning followed by the Empress. The procession passed from our sight for a few moments while the royal couple showed themselves to the people in the tribunes back of the square. We had not long to wait for they soon came back and went to the second cathedral, there to kiss the relics and "salute the tombs of their ancestors." Then they passed to the next church to do the same. At the entrance to each cathedral they were met by a group of priests who went in with them. When they had performed these duties their majesties left their canopy at the foot of the Red Staircase and ascended it amid the cheers of the people. At the top they turned for the people to catch the last glimpse of them, then they passed into the palace, and that part of the coronation festivities was at an end. ...

Above: Nicholas and Alexandra with Marie Feodorovna at their coronation ceremony, painted by Lauritz Tuxen.

Above: Alexandra in her coronation dress, robes and crown, painted by Konstantin Makovsky.

Alexandra's telegram to Toni Becker, dated December 19, 1896

Source:

Briefe der Zarin Alexandra von Russland an ihre Jugendfreundin Toni Becker-Bracht (2009), edited by Lotte Hoffmann-Kuhnt

The telegram:

= unendlich erfreut brief zu erhalten, danke herzlichst, moege alles gut weitergehen =

alix +

English translation (my own):

= infinitely pleased to receive letter, heartiest thanks, may all go well =

alix +

Above: Alexandra. Photo courtesy of TatianaZ on Flickr.

Alexandra's telegram to Toni Becker, dated December 7, 1896

Source:

Briefe der Zarin Alexandra von Russland an ihre Jugendfreundin Toni Becker-Bracht (2009), edited by Lotte Hoffmann-Kuhnt

The telegram:

= denke viel deiner, hoffe alles geht gut, innige gruesse =

alix +

English translation (my own):

= think a lot of you, hope all goes well, hearty greetings =

alix +

Above: Alexandra. Photo courtesy of TatianaZ on Flickr.

Alexandra's telegram to Toni Becker, dated December 5, 1896

Source:

Briefe der Zarin Alexandra von Russland an ihre Jugendfreundin Toni Becker-Bracht (2009), edited by Lotte Hoffmann-Kuhnt

The telegram:

= unendlich erfreut gratuliere von ganzem herzen moege alles gut gehen, kuesse zaertlichst =

alix +

English translation (my own):

= infinitely happy congratulations from the bottom of my heart may everything go well tender kiss =

alix +

Above: Alexandra with Nicholas and baby Olga.

Alexandra's telegram to Toni Becker, dated October 22, 1896

Source:

Briefe der Zarin Alexandra von Russland an ihre Jugendfreundin Toni Becker-Bracht (2009), edited by Lotte Hoffmann-Kuhnt

The telegram:

= innigste glück- und segenswünsche, herzlichsten dank lieben brief =

alix +

English translation (my own):

= heartfelt congratulations and blessings, heartiest thanks dear letter =

alix +

Above: Alexandra.

Alexandra's telegram to Toni Becker, dated June 8, 1896

Source:

Briefe der Zarin Alexandra von Russland an ihre Jugendfreundin Toni Becker-Bracht (2009), edited by Lotte Hoffmann-Kuhnt

The telegram:

= innigste glückwünsche schoener erinnerungstag =

alix +

English translation (my own):

= heartfelt congratulations beautiful day of remembrance =

alix +

Above: Alexandra. Photo courtesy of TatianaZ on Flickr.

Alexandra's letter to Toni Becker, dated March 27/April 8, 1896

Source:

Briefe der Zarin Alexandra von Russland an ihre Jugendfreundin Toni Becker-Bracht (2009), edited by Lotte Hoffmann-Kuhnt

The letter:

St. Petersburg

Den 8 April/27 März 1896

Geliebte Toni,

Soeben erhielt ich Deinen lieben Brief, und er verursachte mir die grösste Freude endlich wieder einmal wieder von Dir zu hören. Endlich habe ich einige freie Augenblicke und die benutze ich auch gleich um Dir zu schreiben. Unsere Ostern fiehlen ja in diesem Jahre wieder zusammen (ich kann gar nicht mehr buchstabieren). Täglich waren Gratulationen, mein Mann wurde 3x von 100ten (nicht übertrieben) geküsst & ich gab ihnen Eier & sie küssten meine Hand — alle Herren vom Hof, Diener, Köche, Kutscher, Soldaten welche die Osternacht auf Wache standen, etc. — Der Gottesdienst in der Osternacht ist prachtvoll, aber das lange Stehen von 12-2 im russischen Kleide, mit Diadem & Schleier, sehr ermüdend; meine alten Beine waren fast ganz krumm geworden. — Die Sonne scheint ganz herrlich heute, aber dabei ist der Wind kühl & der Fluss noch zugefroren. — Ich freue mich unendlich für Dich, dass Du endlich Deine liebe Mutter bei Dir sehen wirst — sie muss Dich furchtbar vermisst haben. Schon bald ein Jahr, dass Du verheirathet bist. Weisst Du noch beim Abschied zu Hause auf der Treppe, sagte ich Dir noch, wer weiss, wie, wann & als was sehen wir uns wieder? — Ach, Liebling, ein kleiner Satz in Deinem Briefe hat mich ganz unbeschreiblich glücklich gestimmt da Du in demselben eine Hoffnung aussprichst. Mögest Du nur recht haben, & baldige Gewissheit. Ich konnte auch lange nicht glauben, ob es wirklich so sei, im vorigen Jahre, & wartete lange bis die sicheren Beweise & Zeichen kamen. Ich wäre selig für Dich. Ich fing schon an mich nach einer solchen Nachricht von Dir zu sehnen. Wenn man selbst alles durchgemacht hat, & nachher das grosse Glück geniesst, den Segen, ein eigenes Kindchen zu besitzen, so gönnt man einem Jeden dasselbe himmlische Gefühl. Darf ich erfahren wenn es gewiß ist — & ob November od Dez. — Nur wünsche ich Dir dann so gesund zu sein wie meine hiesige Schwägerin es war, die nicht einmal seekrank war & ich..... nun einfach qualvoll. — Baby ist zu süss in ihrem kurzen Kleidchen — sie ist recht gross & dick für ihr Alter. — Sie ist vor kurzem geimpft worden, & der kleine Arm sieht noch sehr arg aus — Fieber hat sie — Gott sei Dank, keines gehabt. — Alle meine Geschwister kommen im Mai nach Moskau. Mir graut vor den Festlichkeiten dort. —

Aber nun Addio.

Es küsst Dich

Deine treue Alte

English translation (my own):

St. Petersburg

April 8/March 27 1896

Darling Toni,

I have just received your dear letter, and it gave me the greatest joy to finally hear from you again. I finally have a few free moments and I shall use them to write to you. Our Easters coincide again this year (I cannot even spell anymore). Congratulations were daily, my husband was kissed 3x by 100s (not exaggerated) & I gave them eggs & they kissed my hand — all the gentlemen from the farm, servants, cooks, coachmen, soldiers who stood guard at Easter night, etc. — The service in the Easter Vigil is magnificent, but standing for a long time from 12-2 in Russian dress, with diadem & veil, very tiring; my old legs had become almost completely crooked. — The sun is shining beautifully today, but the wind is cool & the river is still frozen. — I am so happy for you that you will finally see your dear mother with you — she must have missed you terribly. Almost a year since you were married. Do you remember when I said goodbye on the stairs at home, who knows how, when & as what will we see each other again? — Oh, darling, one little sentence in your letter made me indescribably happy because you expressed one hope in it. May you only be right, & early certainty. For a long time I could not believe whether it was really like that last year, & waited a long time until the sure proofs & signs came. I would be happy for you. I was already beginning to long for such a message from you. When one has gone through everything oneself & afterwards enjoys the good fortune of having a little Child of one's own, one treats everyone to the same heavenly feeling. May I know when it is certain — and whether November or December — only I wish you then to be as healthy as my sister-in-law here was, who was not even seasick & I..... now simply painful. — Baby is too sweet in her short little dress — she is quite big & fat for her age. — She was recently vaccinated and her little arm still looks very bad — she has a fever — thank God she hasn't had any. — All my siblings are coming to Moscow in May. I dread the festivities there. —

But now Addio.

A kiss from

Your faithful Alte

Above: Alexandra with Olga.

Excerpts from Kate Koon's letter to her parents on the imperial entry into Moscow for the coronation, dated May 12/24, 1896

Source:

Russian coronation, 1896: the letters of Kate Koon (Bovey) from the last Russian coronation, pages 13 to 18, privately printed in Minneapolis, 1942

https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=wu.89095920781&view=1up&seq=33&skin=2021

The letter excerpts:

Moscow, May 24, 1896

Dear Papa and Mama:

The morning of the day of the entry of the Czar into the city the sun shone bright and clear and we were up early, ready to start for the Hotel Dresden, where the Billhardts, Potter Palmers and we had a room with a couple of windows overlooking the street up which the procession was to pass and directly opposite the palace of the Grand Duke Serge, Governor of Moscow. Some of the streets were already closed when we reached them, and a ticket was demanded of us. We had none, but after a good deal of arguing we were allowed to pass. ...

The procession was not to enter the city until two o'clock...

It was near three o'clock when the cheering announced the approach of the procession. First came the Emperor's bodyguard, truly an imposing group of men with helmets and cuirasses shining like gold. Next came some Cossacks, and after them a really oriental spectacle as the representatives of the Asiatic peoples under Russian rule rode solemnly by on their horses. The nobles of Moscow who followed were also gorgeously attired. Next came the footmen of the court, the four court Arabs, the court musicians and the royal huntsmen. Next the Masters of Ceremonies appeared in eight handsome carriages each drawn by six horses. The Gentlemen of the Chamber and the Chamberlains followed upon beautiful steeds. Then came some of the grooms of the royal stables, followed by more fine equipages in which were some of the foreign diplomats, court officials and members of the Council of the Empire. As the guard of the Dowager Empress and some Russian Horse Guards passed us, we could hear furious cheering down the street. We leaned farther out of the windows, eager to catch our first glimpse of the Emperor.

Alone in his glory he came into sight. We knew him by his simple dress, his kind face quite pale with excitement, and by the fact that his hand was always raised up to his cap to salute his people who were wild with excitement and crying, "We would die for our Czar." Grouped around him were his ministers, generals, aides, etc., each in the most gorgeous uniforms and each exceedingly proud of his row of orders which reached from shoulder to shoulder. The grand dukes and the native and foreign princes who followed, represented many powerful countries, and were in themselves great men. Such a group of important personages would be hard to duplicate.

America alone was unrepresented in the body of foreigners which passed next. Why our military representatives did not appear, we do not know, but I am sure they would have looked as fine as any of the English, French, Germans, etc.

The Dowager Empress, Marie Feodorovna, mother of the Czar, who then appeared in a perfect wonder of a gold coach on the top of which was a crown, provoked more cheering from the people than did her son. The people have had thirteen years in which to know this woman, and they have learned to love her very much. We knew it must be the Dowager Empress by her sad face, for, poor woman, with one son at death's door, she had not much heart for the joys of the other. The bows with which she acknowledged the enthusiasm of the people were indeed far from being happy ones. The coach in which she rode was drawn by eight horses as white as the ostrich feathers that decorated their heads. The red Russian leather trappings were ornamented with quantities of gold buckles and monograms. Each horse was led by a page, while other pages surrounded the coach, and two gentlemen of the court took the place of lackeys.

Following closely came an even more gorgeous coach, drawn like the other by eight white horses. This coach had no crown on top, for the young Empress, although for two years the wife of the ruler of the Russians, had as yet, like her husband, no crown upon her royal brow.

I was so interested in the Czarina that I did not see the minute details of the coach and harness, on which jewels were used in a most reckless fashion. The Czarina looked beautiful in a white gown. Around her neck was a row of large diamonds which almost outshone her beaming face above. She kept bowing most graciously to the crowd, and it made me think she must be very amiable for she had already been bowing for a couple of miles and her neck must have ached sadly. She should follow the example of the little Queen of Holland whose seat is on a pivot so that she moves forward and back without any effort.

When the Czarina had passed, the interest of the crowd went with her, though in the coaches which followed were many royal women. As all the coaches were of gold and all were drawn by superb horses, we still had a great deal to see, though we could not distinguish the people inside, for the coaches were closed and it was not very easy to see in, though the sides, like those of the coaches of the Empresses, were of glass.

The vast pageant ended with the ladies of the court, followed by the Hussars and Lancers.

We could imagine the Emperor and Empress kneeling at the Iberian Chapel, which is built into one of the gateways near the Kremlin. There they crossed themselves and kissed the holy cross presented to them by one of the priests. After being sprinkled with holy water, they left the holy icon, which tradition makes very sacred because of the belief that blood issued from a scratch which an infidel made upon the cheek of the Virgin whose image is painted on wood.

The imperial party then went on to the Palace of the Kremlin where they are to stay during their sojourn in Moscow.

The only trouble I find with these great sights is that they are so soon over that I have only a confused idea of what I have seen. It would take a good while for me to grasp all the points of the splendid and unparalleled treat that we were given. I wonder if anywhere else in the world there could ever be a grander spectacle.

K. K.

Alexandra's letter to Gretchen von Fabrice, dated May 13/25, 1896

Source:

Alix an Gretchen: Briefe der Zarin Alexandra Feodorowna an Freiin Margarethe v. Fabrice, aus den Jahren 1891-1914 (2002), published by Heinrich, Count of Spreti

The letter:

Montag Abend, 10.30 Uhr

My darling Gretchen,

Nur diese Zeilen will ich Ihnen noch heute Abend schicken mit 1000 Küssen. Eben habe ich bei Janishef gebeichtet & nun ist Nikolaus mit ihm in nächsten Zimmer. Beten Sie für uns für den morgigen ereignisvollen Tag, mein Herz ist so voll — Gott gebe uns die Kraft unsere Pflicht immer getreulich zu verrichten. Es küsst Sie in inniger Liebe

Ihre treue alte Freundin

Alix

Wir gehen wie Sie wissen zum Heiligen Abendmahl morgen, daher können Sie sich unsere Gefühle denken. Die Thränen kommen, ich kann nicht mehr.

English translation (my own; original English in italics):

Monday evening, 10:30 o'clock

My darling Gretchen,

I just want to send you these lines this evening with a thousand kisses. I have just confessed to Yanishev & now Nicholas is with him in the next room. Pray for us for tomorrow's eventful day, my heart is so full — God give us the strength to always do our duty faithfully. I kiss you in deep love

Your faithful old friend

Alix

As you know, we are going to Holy Communion tomorrow, so you can imagine our feelings. The tears come, I cannot write more.

Above: Alexandra. Photo courtesy of TatianaZ on Flickr.

Alexandra's letter to Gretchen von Fabrice, year 1896

Source:

Alix an Gretchen: Briefe der Zarin Alexandra Feodorowna an Freiin Margarethe v. Fabrice, aus den Jahren 1891-1914 (2002), published by Heinrich, Count of Spreti

The letter:

Ich vergass Ihnen eben zu sagen, dass Frl. Schneiders Geburtstag am Montag ist. ermüden Sie sich nicht zu sehr & lassen Sie sich auch Babys' Zimmer zeigen. —

Es küsst Sie

Ihre

A.

English translation (my own):

I just forgot to tell you that Frl. Schneider's Birthday is on Monday. don't tire yourself too much & have Baby's rooms shown you too. —

A big kiss

Your

A.

Above: Alexandra. Photo courtesy of TatianaZ on Flickr.

Alexandra's letter to Gretchen von Fabrice, dated May 19/31, 1896

Source:

Alix an Gretchen: Briefe der Zarin Alexandra Feodorowna an Freiin Margarethe v. Fabrice, aus den Jahren 1891-1914 (2002), published by Heinrich, Count of Spreti

The letter:

Geliebtes Gretchen,

Innigen Dank für Ihre Zeilen. Wir hatten schon gestern ausgemacht heute Mittag zu den Kranken zu gehen, vergaß es aber Ihnen zu sagen. Wir wollten gestern nur eine Stunde bleiben, nur wir wurden von allen Seiten versichert, wir dürfen nicht fort, es würde nicht verstanden werden. Ich konnte aber nur an die unglücklichen Toten denken. Ich habe auch schlecht geschlafen.

Ein Kuss von Alix

English translation (my own):

Darling Gretchen,

Hearty thanks for your lines. We had already agreed to go to the ill yesterday at noon, but forgot to tell you. We only wanted to stay just an hour yesterday, but we were assured from all sides that we were not allowed to leave, it would not be understood. But I could only think of the unfortunate dead. I slept badly too.

A kiss from Alix

Above: Alexandra. Photo courtesy of TatianaZ on Flickr.

Alexandra's letter to Madgie Jackson, dated October 3, 1896

Source:

The Life and Tragedy of Alexandra Feodorovna by Baroness Sophie Buxhoeveden, 1928

The letter:

BALMORAL CASTLE,

October 3rd, 96.

DEAREST MADGIE, — Just before leaving, I hasten to send you a few words of loving thanks for your dear letter. Not knowing your Eastbourne address, I send this epistle to London. Tho' I did not write to you for the 20th, my thoughts and best wishes were with you. I hope my Harrogate and the beautiful Yorkshire air did you good! Here we have not had the finest weather. My husband has not shot one stag, only a brace of grouse.

It has been such a very short stay and I leave dear kind Grandmama with a heavy heart. Who knows when we may meet again and where? Now I have made the acquaintance of Lord Pembroke about whom and whose sisters you used to tell me. He is charming and very good-looking. I have good news from Irene but, alas, we shall not see her.

We had a good passage from Denmark. Next Saturday morning, God grant, we shall be at dear Darmstadt. Goodbye, Darling, and God bless you.

Yr. old P. Q. No. III,

ALIX.

Above: Alexandra. Photo courtesy of TatianaZ on Flickr.

Above: Alexandra with Nicholas, baby Olga, Queen Victoria and the future King Edward VII at Balmoral Castle.

Popular coronation print, year 1896

Source:

The Russian History Museum

http://www.russianhistorymuseum.org/coronation/

Souvenir cup in honour of Nicholas' and Alexandra's coronation, year 1896

Source:

The Russian History Museum

http://www.russianhistorymuseum.org/coronation/

Prayer book made by Fabergé for Alexandra, year 1896

Source:

http://www.adsl.kirov.ru/projects/articles/2011/06/04/karl_faberzhe_i_mastera_kamnereznogo_dela_vystavka_v_kremle/

My colourisation of Alexandra in 1896

Source:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/99377981@N03/35984106846/

The San Juan Times on Alexandra's life, dated February 7, 1896

Source:

Written by David Halford for The San Juan Times, published in Farmington, New Mexico on February 7, 1896

https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn86063590/1896-02-07/ed-1/seq-2/#date1=1894&sort=relevance&rows=20&words=czarina+CZARINA&searchType=basic&sequence=0&index=17&state=&date2=1918&proxtext=Czarina&y=14&x=13&dateFilterType=yearRange&page=5

The article:

THE LITTLE DUCHESS.

—

WHO MAY YET RULE OVER ALL THE RUSSIAS.

—

Named Olga by Her Mother — Beautiful Character of the Czarina — America Feels a Friendly Interest in the Progress of Russia.

—

THE mother of the little grand duchess of Russia has given her the name of Olga. If the Romanoff dynasty continues to reign Olga will one day become empress of all the Russias. That country is now the largest empire in the world ruled by one government. Americans will take great interest in the progress of the nation that emerged from a state of semi-barbarism at the same time that this nation was born. The first act done by civilized Russia was to materially assist the United States in subduing England in the war of the revolution. In all our wars Russia has been our friend. And in turn this country has been Russia's friend. When her treasury was empty we gave her gold, we have given her soldiers and railway builders. Now Russia is about to adopt our common school system. So it is quite natural that Americans feel a friendly interest in the progressive strides being made by Russia.

The czarina is one of Queen Victoria's many grandchildren. She is the youngest child of the late Grand Duke and Duchess of Hesse-Darmstadt. Her mother, Princess Alice, perhaps the most popular member of the English royal family, died when the little Alix was only six years of age, and from that time the child was cared for almost exclusively by her grandmother, Queen Victoria, whose special favorite she has always been. She was surrounded by nurses, attendants and governesses, selected at Windsor and Balmoral, with the result that the future czarina grew up more English in sentiment and training than many of her English cousins. Princess Alix was called by this curious modification of her mother's name because Queen Victoria found that the name of Alice was so badly pronounced by the Germans. The little princess received in addition the names of her aunts, Helena, Victoria Louise, and Beatrice. In her childhood she was called "Sunny," from the brightness of her temperament, but after the loss of her mother and father — the grand duke died in 1892 — she became more serious. From childhood she was remarkable for a distinct character and individuality of her own, and this was shown last year in connection with her entry into the Eastern Orthodox church. For the last seven centuries nearly all the czars have gone abroad for their brides, who, in every instance, have been baptized into the Russian faith. In the case of Princess Alix a difficulty arose. She refused to say that her "former religion was accursed; that her conversion to the Russian faith was due to her conviction that her own religion was not founded upon truth," as the law of the Russian church required.

Never before had the holy synod of Russia had to face such a refusal. Argument was in vain. "I merely join the Greek church that I may be of one faith with my future husband," she said firmly. And the holy synod of Russia had to make this highly important and unprecedented concession to the young German girl, who not even for the crown of an empire would condemn the religion of her forefathers. At her baptism in Russia she received the names Alexandra Feodorovna, and the czar afterward conferred upon her the rank of grand duchess of the empire.

The firmness of character which the czarina possesses has never overshadowed the more graceful qualities of her disposition. She is not stiff, but lively, graceful, "elegante," in the Parisian sense of the word; she is sensitive, impulsive, sympathetic, and witty. She is beautiful, of the refined, fair-haired, blue-eyed type of beauty, with finely chiseled features, a clear complexion and large, bright, laughing eyes. Her accomplishments are more than ordinary. She is an admirable linguist, expert at needlework, very musical, a good player on the pianoforte, and an excellent artist. She is a skillful rider, and, after the fashion of young Englishwomen, was devoted to outdoor sports, delighting in tennis, boating, and skating. In Darmstadt, the Hessian residence, her popularity was unbounded.

Krasnoe Zelo, "the red hamlet," where the czarina now lives, is a village some fifty miles from St. Petersburg, on the borders of Finland. It is full of little toy cottages, which recall memories of Trouville and Dieppe. There is a military camp there, and in the village is situated the Imperial School of Pages, where the scions of Russian nobility are educated, and from which they pass as officers into the guard regiments. The imperial palace was built by Catherine II. It stands in the midst of a magnificent park, and in its general appearance is suggestive of Versailles. It is one of the most magnificent palaces in the world, and is full of the most costly art treasures.
DAVID HALFORD.

Nicholas, Alexandra and President Félix Faure reviewing the troops at Chalon, France, September 27, 1896

Source:

https://www.hermitagemuseum.org/wps/portal/hermitage/digital-collection/02.%20drawings/448656/!ut/p/z1/04_Sj9CPykssy0xPLMnMz0vMAfIjo8zi_R0dzQyNnQ28_J1NXQwc_YMCTIOc_dwNDE30w8EKDHAARwP9KGL041EQhd94L0IWAH1gVOTr7JuuH1WQWJKhm5mXlq8fYWCkp5BSlFiemZderB9hYmJhZmoGdEsUmmme3uZA00JMPfz9w5yNnE2gCvC4pyA3NKLKx8Mg01FREQD0SKcQ/dz/d5/L2dBISEvZ0FBIS9nQSEh/?lng=en

Coronation portrait of Nicholas and Alexandra, year 1896

Source:

https://www.hermitagemuseum.org/wps/portal/hermitage/digital-collection/04.%20engraving/787972/!ut/p/z1/04_Sj9CPykssy0xPLMnMz0vMAfIjo8zi_R0dzQyNnQ28_J1NXQwc_YMCTIOc_dwNDE30w8EKDHAARwP9KGL041EQhd94L0IWAH1gVOTr7JuuH1WQWJKhm5mXlq8fYWCip5Cal14E9Gteun6EuYW5pbkR0DFRaMZ5epsDjQsx9fD3D3M2cjaBKsDjoILc0IgqHw-DTEdFRQA65LFJ/dz/d5/L2dBISEvZ0FBIS9nQSEh/?lng=en