A Statement From the Head of The Russian Imperial House on Ukraine

FROM THE HEAD OF THE IMPERIAL HOUSE OF RUSSIA

Events taking place in our Homeland have been very alarming and deeply grieving.

Fully recognizing the independence and sovereignty of all the states that were formed after the fall of the USSR, I am at the same time convinced that all of the peoples who historically belonged to the civilizational space of the former Russian Empire are united by the concept of a Homeland in the highest spiritual and cultural sense of the word.

It is frightful and painful to see how, for the past 8 years, brothers and sisters, whose fathers, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers together defended their common Homeland, have been pitted against each other and spilt their blood; how peaceful citizens are dying and suffering; how parents shed inconsolable tears over the coffins of their children. Now the course of these events has culminated in an even greater cataclysm.

The Russian Imperial House does not make statements of a political nature, and in any event, in the current conditions we do not have complete information that would allow us to make them without risking unintended harm. But we are utterly convinced and will always affirm that Russia and Ukraine—all their populations—must never be enemies. This is as monstrous and unnatural a thing as members of the same family murdering each other.

I, my son and heir, The Grand Duke George of Russia, and his spouse, Princess Victoria Romanovna, pray for the immediate implementation of peace.

We are deeply grateful to those who are now making efforts to prevent war and provide assistance to the suffering: the wounded, those who have lost their homes and belongings, and refugees.

May Almighty God save our peoples and may He free us from fratricidal enmity.

H.I.H. The Grand Duchess Maria of Russia

Madrid 24 February, 2022

ОТ ГЛАВЫ РОССИЙСКОГО ИМПЕРАТОРСКОГО ДОМА

События, происходящие в нашем Отечестве, вызывают у меня чрезвычайную тревогу и глубокую печаль.

Всецело признавая независимость и суверенитет всех государств, образовавшихся после распада СССР, в то же время я убеждена, что все народы, исторически принадлежащие к цивилизационному пространству бывшей Всероссийской Империи, объединены понятием Отечества в самом высоком духовном и культурном смысле этого слова.

Страшно и больно видеть, как уже 8 лет льётся кровь ввергнутых в противостояние братьев и сестёр, отцы, деды и прадеды которых вместе защищали общую Родину, как гибнут и страдают мирные граждане, как проливают безутешные слёзы родители над гробами своих детей. Ныне ход этих событий привёл к ещё более масштабным потрясениям.

Российский Императорский Дом не считает себя вправе делать заявления политического характера, ибо в современных условиях мы не располагаем полнотой информации, позволяющей давать подобные оценки без риска причинить невольный вред. Но мы твёрдо уверены и всегда будем утверждать, что Россия и Украина, все населяющие их народы не могут быть врагами. Это настолько же чудовищно и противоестественно, как взаимное истребление друг друга членами одной семьи.

Я, мой сын и наследник Великий Князь Георгий Михайлович и его супруга Светлейшая Княгиня Виктория Романовна молимся о скорейшем водворении мира.

С великой благодарностью относимся мы к тем, кто предпринимает сейчас усилия по предотвращению войны и оказывает помощь пострадавшим – раненым, лишившимся крова и имущества, беженцам.

Да спасет Всемогущий Господь наши народы и да избавит Он их от братоубийственной вражды.
 

Е.И.В. ВЕЛИКАЯ КНЯГИНЯ

МАРИЯ ВЛАДИМИРОВНА

Мадрид, 11/24 февраля 2022 г.

New Hola! Article Translation: "Russian Princess and 'Godmother'"

We are pleased to provide an English translation of the excellent recent article from Hola! Magazine by Martin Bianchi, which may be accessed in the original HERE. The photographs are all courtesy of the Russian Imperial House in Moscow.

WE SPOKE WITH VICTORIA ROMANOFF, RUSSIAN PRINCESS AND “GODMOTHER”

TO ORPHANED BEARS IN MOSCOW: ‘I AM NOT AFRAID’

The wife of George Mikhailovich Romanov, Tsesarevich and Grand Duke of Russia, visited an orphanage that is home to these wild animals and tells us about her experience first-hand.

George and Victoria Romanov made history in October by orchestrating the first royal wedding held in St. Petersburg in more than a century: a three-day event in three separate palaces, with more than 1,500 guests from all parts of the world. Almost five months later, the Tsesarevich and Grand Duke of Russia and his wife, a writer and a now a princess since the day of the wedding, they are now one of Moscow’s fashionable couples. “People treat me with more formality, but the affection that they had for me before my change in status has not changed,” admits Victoria in conversation with HELLO!. The consort of the Grand Duke has just received a new title: that of “godmother” to orphaned bears in the Russian capital, wild animals that draw close to towns in search of food, putting human lives at risk.

A few days ago, the princess visited a centre for bear recovery on the outskirts of Moscow. The orphanage is dedicated to raising abandoned cubs that have lost their mothers, and to provide medical assistance to animals that are sick, or have suffered abuse or ill-treatment. The aim of this institution is to return the animals to freedom in the wild once they have been cured. “Unfortunately, it is not always possible because some of these bears have been too close to human beings for too long, and that hurts their reintegration into the wild. Bears abandon their cubs when a human gets too close to the den. It is a very common problem,“ she explains.

The princess, daughter of an Italian diplomat, visited the bear orphanage in her capacity as a director of the Imperial Foundation, an NGO that was created in 2013 by her husband, the Grand Duke. The Foundation, with more than 10,000 volunteers from across the country, develops solidarity projects and varied programs: from assistance for Russian children with developmental difficulties to projects that protect animals and ecosystems that are threatened by global warming and human incursions.  Victoria also serves as the Director of External Relations for FoodbankRus, the first food bank in Russia, which distributes food and provides assistance to more than 1.5 million people in need each year.

Animals are a weak spot for the new Princess Romanov. Asked the question of whether she was afraid to be so close to a 250 kilo bear, her answer was no. “Animals are so strong and yet so vulnerable,” she says. “I was lucky to be born into a family that loves animals and respects their dignity. So I knew that the bear had to evaluate me first, and that, only if I was accepted, was I going to be able to take photos with him.  I also must add that this bear is accustomed to human presence because he grew up in a private zoo. Unfortunately, this prevents him from returning to a life in the wild,“ she laments.

“It is important that people understand that these animals are not toys, but beings who feel and suffer when they are abused or caged. And that not all animals can be pets,” says the director of the Imperial Foundation, who counts on the support of her husband, George of Russia, to carry out these campaigns and projects. Five months after her wedding to the Grand Duke, Victoria has a very positive view of her marriage. “We are fortunate because we have known each other for many years and our relationship has never changed,” she says. “We have a healthy relationship in which we support each other, we share the same values, and we laugh a lot”. Have the royal couple already given thought to forming a family? “Of course we want to have a family. It is the foundation of all our values,” she responds emphatically. For now, though, and until the time she becomes a mother, Victoria Romanov is thrilled with her role as godmother to these orphaned bears.

Princess Victoria Romanovna Announces New Effort for Bear Assistance

Princess Victoria Romanovna Romanova with “Teddy” - a rescue bearTwo

In two European journals today, a new effort of the Russian Imperial Foundation was announced. The Foundation will be providing assistance to a Bear rescue center just outside of Moscow.

In Russia, bears are important cultural symbols, but frequently are mistreated, or find themselves victims of shrinking resources or habitats. This new initiative will help bears like “Teddy” (above) who was born into captivity in a private zoo, and rescued by the center.

“This bear is used to humans, having grown up in a private zoo from which he was rescued, but unfortunately this prevents him from being able to return to his natural habitat where he would not be able to survive,” Victoria Romanovna said. The princess is an animal lover: “I was lucky to be born into a family that not only loves animals, but respects their dignity.”

To read the article in Hola!, Click HERE (In Spanish)

To read the article in Vanitatis Click HERE (in Spanish)

Anniversary of the End of the Siege of Leningrad, January 27, 1944.

T.I.H. Grand Duke Vladimir Kirillovich and Grand Duchess Leonida Georgievna of Russia at the Piskarevskoe Memorial Cemetery, Leningrad, USSR, 1991.

Today is an important day in history, marking the anniversary of the end of the siege of Leningrad — almost 900 days of privation and suffering by the citizens of the former capital of St. Petersburg. From abroad, the members of the Imperial House watched anxiously for news of the city which they still regarded as their home.

It was not until 1991, however that the head of the Imperial House, Grand Duke Vladimir Kirillovich and his wife Grand Duchess Leonida Georgievna became the first Romanovs able to pay their respects to those who suffered and died, when they visited the Piskaryevskoye Memorial Cemetery on the outskirts of Leningrad.

Their Imperial Highnesses laid a wreath in memory of those who had died to protect the northern capital and the Russian motherland against Fascist aggression.

125th Anniversary of the Birth of HH Prince Andrei Alexandrovich of Russia.

HH Prince Andrei Alexandrovich of Russia during his early period of exile, 1920’s.

HH Prince Andrei as a boy.

The 24th of January marks 125 years since the birth of Prince of the Imperial Blood Andrei Alexandrovich, the eldest son of Grand Duke Alexander Mikhailovich and Grand Duchess Ksenia Alexandrovna.  He was a great-grandson of Emperor Nikolai I in the male line. HH Prince Andrei Alexandrovich is the grandfather of the current senior descendant of the morganatic “Alexandrovichi” branch of the Romanov family, who are not members of the Imperial House.  (Among morganatic lines descending from members of the Imperial House, the most senior male descendants are the Princes Romanovsky-Ilyinsky, after whom come the Alexandrovichi.) 

Prince of the Imperial Blood Andrei Alexandrovich was born at the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg.  Cannon shots were typically fired  from the walls of the Petropavlovsky Fortress to herald the birth of a member of the Imperial House: a 21 gun salute for newly-born Grand Dukes and a 15 gun salute for newly-born Princes of the Imperial Blood.,  Although it is often  stated that his maternal grandmother Empress Maria Feodorovna requested that 21 shots be fired when Andrei was born, there is no mention of this in the diaries of Nicholas II or \the Dowager Empress, and no mention of it in the memoirs of Grand Duke Alexander Mikhailovich. Thus far, no proof of such an order appears to have been found. 

In the diary of Emperor Nicholas II on the occasion of the birth of his first nephew, the following entry appears:

"January 12. Sunday. At five minutes of the first night, Ksenia gave birth to a son - Andrei! We learned this from Sandro before we went to bed. At 10 o'clock. Off to St. Petersburg. In the afternoon, a thankful prayer service was served in Anichkov. Had a rather large breakfast. I went with Mama … to visit Ksenia and see the newborn. Thank God, everyone is safe…”

In December 1918, together with his morganatic wife Princess Elizabeth Fabritsievna di Sasso Ruffo, Prince Andrei of Russia left Russia aboard the British warship Forsythe. 

Prince Andrei of Russia (along with his father and several of his brothers) in 1924 signed an oath of loyalty to Grand Duke Kirill as Head of the Imperial House.  The oath also recognized Grand Duke Kirill’s son Grand Duke Vladimir as Tsesarevich and Heir.  After Grand Duke Kirill’s death, Prince Andrei in 1938 recognized Grand Duke Vladimir as Head of the Imperial House.   After 1969, Prince Andrei unfortunately expressed disagreement with some decisions of the Head of the House, with the regrettable result that further contact was broken off. 

In emigration, the Prince lived first in France and then in the UK. After the death of his first wife during World War Two, he married morganatically a second time before his death in 1981 at the age of 84.

Вечная память! Eternal memory!

Russian Imperial House “will accept with joy” Recognition of the Ekaterinburg Remains

The St. Catherine Chapel at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, St. Petersburg.

Today, Metropolitan Hilarion of the Russian Orthodox Church announced that the Church Council investigation has left no doubt about the authenticity of the remains of family members of the last Russian Emperor Nicholas II found near Yekaterinburg.

"In my opinion, nothing today prevents the recognition of the authenticity of the Yekaterinburg remains, but in order for them to be recognized as authentic, a conciliar decision of the church is needed," Metropolitan Hilarion, head of the synodal Department for External Church Relations, said on the air of the Church and the World program on the Rossiya-24 TV channel.

Alexander Zakatov, director of the Chancellery of the Russian Imperial House, told Interfax on Saturday that if “The Russian Orthodox Church is ready to recognize the Yekaterinburg remains as authentic after reviewing all the multilateral research results, this will be accepted by the Imperial House with reverence, trust in the Russian Orthodox Church, and with great happiness.”

The Russian Imperial House, noted Zakatov, has always said that they could neither confirm nor deny the authenticity of the remains, and would wait for the Conciliar determination of the Church. “As soon as the conciliar definition of the Church is expressed, the Imperial House will accept it with joy" said the representative of the Romanovs.

For Metropolitan Hilarion’s statement, read HERE

For the interview with Chancellery Head Alexander Zakatov, read HERE.

Point de Vue follows Honeymoon of Grand Duke George and Princess Romanoff

Seen In the new Point de Vue! Grand Duke George And Princess Victoria:

"Great heavens! After their grand wedding in St. Petersburg last October, Grand Duke George of Russia and his wife Victoria Romanovna took a Christmas trip through Jordan. On the program, romantic walks at sunset and also scuba diving in the Red Sea!”

The Romanovs: Back In Moscow

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]