ALEXEI ROMANOV: 1914 LETTER TO “MAMA” FROM STAVKA
On the envelope: “To Darling Mama”.
“May you all sleep peacefully. May the Lord keep you! I kiss You, Hussar and Ulan firmly. Alexei.”
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ON THIS DATE IN THEIR OWN WORDS: OLGA ROMANOV TO EMPRESS ALEXANDRA. 23 APRIL, 1917
ON THIS DATE IN THEIR OWN WORDS: OLGA ROMANOV TO EMPRESS ALEXANDRA. 23 APRIL, 1917
This poem by Alexei Konstantinovich Tolstoy was penned in 1859. Grand Duchess Olga Romanov copied it down and dedicated it to her beloved mother, Empress Alexandra, on 23 April, 1917.
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ROMANOV FAMILY AND QUEEN VICTORIA OF ENGLAND
ROMANOV FAMILY AND QUEEN VICTORIA OF ENGLAND
January 22 is the anniversary of Queen Victoria’s death in 1901. In the nineteenth century, many members of the European royal families were closely related to each other. Queen Victoria was referred to as “the grandmother of Europe” because her progeny were dispersed throughout the continent through the marriages of her numerous children.
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ROMANOV FAMILY: NEW YEAR’S BALLS
ROMANOV FAMILY: NEW YEAR’S BALLS
Thousands of guests were invited to the first imperial ball of the New Year. The balls usually took place in late January or early February at the Winter Palace. The first dance was the official polonaise, performed of course by the first couple of the nation – Emperor Nicholas II and Empress Alexandra. After this initial ceremonial dance, the fun began consisting of mazurkas, polkas and waltzes.
The waiters walked around offering sweets like candies, ice cream and fruit, as well as soft drinks and champagne. Having danced for a couple of hours, the guests moved on to the banquet.
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ROMANOV FAMILY: NEW YEAR MEALS
ROMANOV FAMILY: NEW YEAR MEALS
The Romanov family celebrated New Year relatively intimately and quietly, without any major fanfare. January 1st was a regular work day for Nicholas II, but a festive table was set up for the visitors. Those who came in to see the Tsar with reports on New Year’s Day were offered zakuski (cold meat snacks or pickled vegetables) but did not normally linger at the table for too long nor overindulged in vodka.
The imperial couple preferred to dine with a circle of close friends, but it was always a first class meal. At court there were three dining classes: the first was for the members of the imperial family, the second – for the imperial suite and dignitaries invited to court, and the third was for the servants. Read more ROMANOV FAMILY: NEW YEAR MEALS
ROMANOV FAMILY: NEW YEAR WISHES
ROMANOV FAMILY: NEW YEAR WISHES
1915 New Year’s card from Olga, Tatiana, Maria and Anastasia to their mother:
“Wishing the sweetest of mothers a happy Year New fr[om] her foolish but very loving daughters.
Olga, Tatiana, Maria, Anastasia”
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