Belgium’s “Le Soir” Magazine recently released the first interview with the recently married Grand Duke George Mikhailovich, and his wife, Princess Victoria Romanovna. We are happy to present you with a translation of the article, and to proved a link, HERE to the original text.
The Romanovs: Back in Moscow
More than a hundred years after the Bolshevik revolution that drove out his ancestors, Grand Duke George Mikhailovich and his wife decided to return to live in the country. Exclusive interview.
There are family names that carry the weight of history. Grand Duke George Mikhailovich of Russia, pretender to the imperial throne of Russia, has a rich family tree. The son of Prince Franz Wilhelm of Prussia, great-grandson of the last German Emperor Wilhelm II and Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna (great-granddaughter of Emperor Alexander II of Russia), the Grand Duke descends in direct line from two imperial families. Less well-known than some other members of princely or grand ducal families, George Mikhailovich Romanov nevertheless does not cease to represent and perpetuate his family’s heritage. On September 24, he married Italian Rebecca Bettarini at St. Isaac's Cathedral in St. Petersburg, becoming the first Romanov to marry in Russia since the Revolution*. He has confided to us his feelings, his goals, and his political reality.
You are the putative heir to the Russian throne. How do you live with this particular legacy, linked to the imperial past of your country?
We are lucky to live in Moscow, a huge metropolis that has everything to offer. We work and we lead a normal life, like all people our age. But my wife and I also take on official commitments, even if they come first to my mother as the head of the family. Even today, the imperial family is warmly welcomed and respected in Russia.
You are the first Romanov since the 1917 Revolution to get married in Russia *. Is it more than a symbol?
It was an honor to be given this privilege. Above all, this makes it possible to note that Russia does not deny its history and that the imperial family is still able to play this role of historical and cultural link between the present and the past of a country that has experienced very difficult times.
What memories do you have of that particular day?
It was a wonderful day. We were happy to be able to marry in St. Petersburg, in such a symbolic cathedral, surrounded by our relatives, friends, and our families, but also to show our international guests the modern Russia, which few people know. We were also able to revive many of the traditions of the imperial family through its history, its values, its culture.
What connection do you have with the current Russia?
For 30 years, my mother and I have been making official trips and visits to Russia, at the invitation of the patriarchate and local governments. And for the last three years, my wife and I have been living in Moscow. We work in the philanthropic arena in close cooperation with the Moscow Patriarchate and the Russian government. These ties have lasted for 30 years and are based on mutual respect. The Imperial family is always ready to help where we can be useful. Our efforts are concentrated in the cultural, charitable, social, and historical fields. We support and promote initiatives in these areas, and our relations are cordial with the authorities. As for the rest, our family has no political ambitions.
Does bearing the title of Grand Duke of Russia carry obligations?
I was raised with respect for family traditions as well as the values of our family. This, of course, entails obligations to others as the representative of such an important family. But I always distinguish my public activities from my private ones. I have a long professional career in which I have always tried to make my work represent me more than my last name.
Are there imperial or family traditions that you make it a point of honor to perpetuate?
To help others! It has always been a pillar of the Imperial family's activity, and my wife and I have been very involved in Russia and abroad for many years.
You worked at the European Commission. Today, what is your professional occupation?
I am still a consultant, but it is as chairman of the Russian Imperial Foundation and chairman of the first food bank of Russia (Foodbankrus) that I am actively working in Russia. Our foundations help where they are needed. Recently, for example, we produced a film about autism so that people can better understand this disorder and the importance of care. Together with the food bank, in 2020, thanks to our 4,000 volunteers and our Russian and international sponsors, we distributed 8.5 million kilos of food, corresponding to a value of 17 million euros, in 54 regions of Russia.
You are newlyweds. One day children will complete your household. What legacy do you hope to pass on to them?
My wife and I arefortunate to have grown up with the same values, which we want to pass on to our children: to discover the world, to be open-minded, to understand the value of duty, the history of the family, and the cultures of our respective countries.
As a child, when did you realize that your family had a special, unusual story?
I have always been educated in the history of my family and our traditional values. My grandparents, Grand Duke Vladimir and Grand Duchess Leonida, always taught me to know the history -- sometimes grand, sometimes tragic -- of our family. They also taught me how to preserve it’s past and to represent this family in a modern way, putting myself at the service of others and Russia in particular.
How is your mother, Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna, doing?
She is doing very well, she is very active in Russia and helped us a lot in preparing for the wedding.
[NB - The Grand Duke was the first member of the Imperial House to marry in Russia since 1918]
