2015 – The Romanov Family

December 31, 2015Helen Azar No Comments

ROMANOV FAMILY: NEW YEAR’S BALLS

Nicholas II and Empress Alexandra dressed as Alexei I and Maria Miloslavskaya, at the Winter Palace's last Imperial ball before the Russian revolution. — Nicholas II and Empress Alexandra dressed as Tsar Alexei I and Tsaritsa Maria Miloslavskaya, for the Winter Palace’s last Imperial ball prior to the Russian revolution.

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.

December 31, 2015Helen Azar No Comments

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

December 29, 2015Helen Azar No Comments

ROMANOV FAMILY: NEW YEAR WISHES

Grand Duchesses Olga, Tatiana, Maria and Anastasia with their mother Empress Alexandra

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”

December 28, 2015Helen Azar No Comments

ROMANOV FAMILY: GRAND DUCHESS AND TSAREVICH REMAINS IN CUSTODY OF RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH

The last Russian Tsar's children: Tsarevich Alexei and Grand Duchess Maria Romanov — The last Russian Tsar’s children: Tsarevich Alexei and Grand Duchess Maria Romanov

The Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) finally received custody of the remains of Tsarevich Alexei and Grand Duchess Maria Romanov. The location where they are currently being stored has been determined but will kept confidential. It is only known that the remains of the two Romanov children will not be stored at the Peter & Paul Fortress in St Petersburg.

December 18, 2015Helen Azar No Comments

ROMANOV FAMILY: LAST IMPERIAL CHRISTMAS BEFORE RUSSIAN REVOLUTION

ROMANOV FAMILY: LAST IMPERIAL CHRISTMAS BEFORE THE RUSSIAN REVOLUTION

1916 was the last full year for the Romanovs as the reigning family of Russia. Tsar Nicholas II would abdicate his throne in March of 1917 and the Russian revolution would end life as the Romanov family knew it.