Sources:
Alexandra Feodorovna: Diaries and Correspondence, volume 3: The Young Empress, 1895-1905, pages 140 to 141, by George Hawkins, 2024
A Lifelong Passion, letters and diary entries compiled by Andrei Maylunas and Sergei Mironenko, 1992
Alexandra wrote this letter to Nicholas on July 22/August 4 (Old Style), 1902.
The letter:
My own beloved One,
Your dear old man will give you these lines before you go to bed. It is terrible to have to let you go off all alone, knowing that worries are awaiting you. But our dear Friend will be near you and help you answering William's questions. Be friendly and severe, that he realises he dare not joke with you and that he learns to respect you and be afraid of you — that is the Chief thing. How I wish I were with you.
The letter in full:
No 162
Peterhof
July 22nd 1902
My own beloved One,
Your dear old man will give you these lines before you go to bed. It is terrible having to let you go off, all alone, knowing that worries are awaiting you. But our dear Friend will be near you and help you answering William's questions. Be friendly and severe, that he realises he dare not joke with you and that he learns to respect and be afraid of you — that is the chief thing. How I wish I were with you that you might have some one to whom to tell all that is going on. That He will be watching over you, that is my only comfort and the more you do and try yourself, the more He will help you and you will mount the steps.
How unbearable all would be without Him — how life has changed since we know Him.
If I hear any news I shall at once telegraph it to you, with Милица's help.
I hate to think of poor Laubet and dear U. Bertie — that you will be alone when the fatal news comes. I trust it may be a Polish jew.
Sleep well, my angel, on our beloved Штандартъ — how I love that yacht! You will try and think that Wify is sleeping in her little beddy there too. I shall miss you fearfully, my own treasure, and count the minutes till you return.
I cover your beloved face and eyes with kisses +++
God bless and protect you and keep you from all harm. His Holy Angels guard your slumber.
Ever yr own old
Sunny Wify
You will get my first letter on Wednesday — you must number my letters for me. Many messages to the Officers — they will look after you with love, I know. How kind Литвинъ was when you left for Danzig.
Above: Alexandra.
Above: Nicholas.
Above: Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany, a cousin of both Nicholas and Alexandra.
Notes: "our dear Friend" = Monsieur Philippe.
Милица = "Princess Militsa of Montenegro (1866-1951) wife of Grand Duke Peter Nikolaevich. Militsa was instrumental in introducing Monsieur Philippe, and later Grigory Rasputin, to the Imperial Couple."
"dear U. Bertie" = King Edward VII of the United Kingdom.
Штандартъ = Standart.
Литвинъ = Litvin.
Danzig is the old German name for the city of Gdańsk, located in what is now northern Poland in the historical region of Pomerania.
