ROMANOV FAMILY: “THE FAMOUS” ALEXANDER PALACE BALCONY

ROMANOV FAMILY: “THE FAMOUS” ALEXANDER PALACE BALCONY

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Tsar Nicholas II, Tsarina Alexandra and Tsarevich Alexei on the Alexander Palace balcony

 

The Alexander Palace balcony was an addition made by the last imperial family: Tsar Nicholas II and Empress Alexandra, in 1896. The balcony, which was to give Alexandra the opportunity to go outdoors without leaving the palace. It was completely wired for electricity during the First World War, in 1915.  Rain or shine, summer or winter, the Romanov family enjoyed tea time, meals and general leisure time on this balcony. Every Romanov family member mentioned “the balcony” in their diaries or correspondence. Numerous photographs were posed for on the balcony as well (see below).

The "famous" Alexander5 Palace balcony added by the last imperial family.
The “famous” Alexander Palace balcony – an addition made by the last Russian imperial family.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From the letters and diaries of Olga Romanov:

“The weather is overcast and cool. Mama is still lying down on the balcony.”

Empress Alexandra posing on the Alexander Palace balcony
Empress Alexandra posing on the Alexander Palace balcony
Empress Alexandra posing on the Alexander Palace balcony
Empress Alexandra posing on the Alexander Palace balcony

“Mama sat on the balcony.”

“Mama and Anya are on the balcony.”

“I am sitting with Mama on the balcony after breakfast. Isa just came out and sat in the armchair which I planned [to use] myself.” 

Grand Duchess Olga and Grand Duchess Maria posing on the Alexander Palace balcony
Grand Duchess Olga and Grand Duchess Maria posing on the Alexander Palace balcony

“Here on the balcony it got very cozy ever since Mama acquired the new wicker furniture made by the invalids, and the two lamps stay lit.”

“During the day ate on the balcony with A., M. and T… Until 10 o’cl. sat on the balcony – raining heavily…”

Empress Alexandra posing on the Alexander Palace balcony
Empress Alexandra posing on the Alexander Palace balcony

“Had dinner on the balcony…”; “Sat on the balcony with Mama and wrote telegrams. Very warm – 14 deg…  Sat on the balcony with T., Aunt Olga, Mavra, Ioannchik and Elena.”

Grand Duchess Tatiana Romanov posing on the Alexander Palace balcony
Grand Duchess Tatiana Romanov posing on the Alexander Palace balcony

“Breakfast on the balcony with Nikolai Pavlovich, marvelous weather.”

“We are sitting on the balcony having tea. The weather is exceptionally nice… “

Tsar Nicholas II and Empress Alexandra in her wheelchair on the Alexander Palace balcony
Tsar Nicholas II and Empress Alexandra in her wheelchair on the Alexander Palace balcony

 

 

“Today is the anniversary of the famous balcony.” (entry from 11th August, 1916).

Empress Alexandra posing on the Alexander Palace balcony
Empress Alexandra posing on the Alexander Palace balcony
Empress Alexandra and two grand duchesses on the Alexander Palace balcony
Empress Alexandra with Grand Duchess Olga and Grand Duchess Anastasia on the Alexander Palace balcony

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From the book:

The Diary of Olga Romanov: Royal Witness to the Russian Revolution

 

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