2015 – Page 8 – The Romanov Family

November 21, 2015Helen Azar No Comments

ANASTASIA ROMANOV: “THE SHVYBZIK”

Grand Duchess Anastasia or “Nastasia”, was also known as “Shvybzik” or “Shvybz” – the nickname which referred to her quick and naughty nature.

Anastasia Romanov was said to be made of mercury instead of flesh and blood.

She was the family comedian who excelled at mimicking those around her, was rather witty and loved to play practical jokes – to the chagrin of her siblings, governesses, tutors and friends.

Looking at the many photos, and reading the many letters of Anastasia Romanov, one can easily see and feel her sparkling personality come through.

November 21, 2015Helen Azar No Comments

ROMANOV FAMILY: ON THIS DATE IN THEIR OWN WORDS. TATIANA ROMANOV. 8 JUNE, 1913

Grand Duchess Tatiana in 1913. Photo credit: ГА РФ, ф. 651 оп. 1 д. 261 л. 25 фото 370

November 20, 2015Helen Azar No Comments

ROMANOV FAMILY: ON THIS DATE IN THEIR OWN WORDS. TATIANA ROMANOV. 18 JULY, 1914.

t 1914 — Grand Duchess Tatiana Romanov in 1914

Tatiana Romanov wrote this entry just prior to Russia’s involvement in World War I, so this was her last “normal” pre-war diary entry. Life would never be the same again after this day.

November 18, 2015Helen Azar No Comments

TATIANA ROMANOV: HER LITTLE FRENCH BULLDOG, ORTIPO

TATIANA ROMANOV: HER LITTLE FRENCH BULLDOG, ORTIPO

t and o 2 — Grand Duchess Tatiana and Grand Duchess Anastasia with Ortipo.

Ortipo - Tatiana Romanov's little French bulldog — Ortipo – Tatiana Romanov’s little French bulldog

Dmitri Malama, a wounded officer at Grand Duchess Tatiana’s infirmary (and a great favorite of Sister Tatiana Romanov), gave her a little French bulldog puppy that she named “Ortipo.”

“Ortipo” was reportedly also the name of Malama’s favorite horse, so using this name was a tribute to Dmitri.

This funny little dog, which the entire Romanov family very much enjoyed, is mentioned frequently in their diaries and letters.

November 18, 2015Helen Azar 4 Comments

ROMANOV FAMILY: TSAREVICH ALEXEI’S LOYAL SAILOR

This story is dedicated to the most loyal, but too often forgotten, servant of the Romanov family: Klementy Grigorievich Nagorny.

Sailor Klementy Nagorny with Tsarevich Aelxei — Sailor Klementy Nagorny with Tsarevich Alexei

Klementy Grigorievich Nagorny, the last Dyad’ka (“Uncle”, or sailor nanny) caretaker of Tsarevich Alexei, was born in 1887 in the Village of Pustovarovka, to a peasant family. Nagorny became a sailor on the Imperial Yacht “The Standart”, and eventually was appointed as assistant caretaker of Tsarevich Alexei, to the Boatswain A.E. Derevenko. Read more ROMANOV FAMILY: TSAREVICH ALEXEI’S LOYAL SAILOR

November 17, 2015Helen Azar 7 Comments

ROMANOV FAMILY: TOYS OF CHILDREN OF LAST TSAR

ROMANOV FAMILY: TOYS OF THE CHILDREN OF THE LAST TSAR

The Romanov family with Kaiser Wilhelm, first cousin of both Nicholas II and Empress Alexandra, who gifted these dolls to the little grand duchesses.

From the diary of Empress Alexandra Feodorovna:

“In the house where there are children, all the surroundings and everything that is going on around them will affect them. Even the smallest detail can have either a wonderful or a harmful effect. Even the nature around them can shape their future character. All the fine things seen by the children’s eyes are imprinted in their sensitive hearts “