Empress Alexandra Fedorovna Romanova... Her personality in Russian history is very ambiguous. On the one hand, a loving wife, mother, and on the other, a princess, categorically not accepted by Russian society. A lot of mysteries and secrets are associated with Alexandra Feodorovna: her passion for mysticism, on the one hand, and deep faith, on the other. Researchers attribute responsibility to her tragic fate imperial house. What mysteries does the biography of Alexandra Fedorovna Romanova hold? What is its role in the fate of the country? We will answer in the article.
Childhood
Alexandra Fedorovna Romanova was born on June 7, 1872. Parents of the future Russian empress were the Grand Duke of Hesse-Darmstadt Ludwig and the English Princess Alice. The girl was the granddaughter of Queen Victoria, and this relationship will play an important role in the development of Alexandra's character.
Her full name is Victoria Alix Elena Louise Beatrice (in honor of her aunts). In addition to Alix (as the relatives called the girl), the Duke’s family had seven children.
Alexandra (Romanova later) received the classical English education, she was brought up in strict traditions. Modesty was in everything: in everyday life, food, clothing. Even children slept in soldiers' beds. Already at this time, shyness can be traced in the girl; all her life she will struggle with natural suppression in an unfamiliar society. At home, Alix was unrecognizable: nimble, smiling, she earned herself a second name - “sunshine”.
But childhood was not so cloudless: first, his brother dies as a result of an accident, then his younger sister May and Princess Alice, Alix’s mother, die from diphtheria. This was the impetus for the six-year-old girl to withdraw into herself and become alienated.
Youth
After the death of her mother, according to Alexandra herself, a dark cloud hung over her and obscured her entire sunny childhood. She is sent to England to live with her grandmother, the reigning Queen Victoria. Naturally, government affairs took up all of the latter’s time, so the upbringing of the children was entrusted to the governess. Later, Empress Alexandra Feodorovna would not forget the lessons she received in her youth.
Margaret Jackson - that was the name of her teacher and teacher - moved away from the prim Victorian mores, she taught the girl to think, reflect, form and voice her opinion. Classical education did not provide for diversified development, but by the age of fifteen, the future Empress Alexandra Romanova understood politics, history, played excellent music and knew several foreign languages.
Exactly at teenage years, at the age of twelve, Alix first meets her future husband Nikolai. This happened at the wedding of her sister and Grand Duke Sergei. Three years later, at the invitation of the latter, she again comes to Russia. Nikolai was captivated by the girl.
Wedding with Nicholas II
Nikolai's parents were not delighted with the union of young people - in their opinion, a wedding with the daughter of the French Count Louis-Philippe was more profitable for him. For the lovers, five long years of separation begin, but this circumstance brought them together even more and taught them to appreciate the feeling.
Nikolai does not want to accept his father’s will; he continues to insist on marrying his beloved. The current emperor has to give in: he senses an approaching illness, and the heir must have a party. But here, too, Alix, who after the coronation received the name Alexandra Feodorovna Romanova, faced a serious test: she had to convert to Orthodoxy and leave Lutheranism. She studied the basics for two years, after which she was converted to the Russian faith. It should be said that Alexandra entered Orthodoxy with an open heart and pure thoughts.
The wedding of the young people took place on November 27, 1894, again, it was performed by John of Kronstadt. The sacrament took place in the Church of the Winter Palace. Everything happens against the backdrop of mourning, because 3 days after Alix arrived in Russia, Alexander III dies (many then said that she “came for the coffin”). Alexandra notes in a letter to her sister the striking contrast between grief and great triumph - this brought the spouses together even more. Everyone, even haters of the imperial family, subsequently noticed the strength of the union and the fortitude of Alexandra Feodorovna and Nicholas II.
The blessing of the young couple for their reign (coronation) took place on May 27, 1896 in the Assumption Cathedral in Moscow. From that time on, Alix the “sunshine” acquired the title Empress Alexandra Feodorovna Romanova. Later she noted in her diary that this was her second wedding - with Russia.
Place at court and in political life
From the very first day of her reign, Empress Alexandra Feodorovna was support and support for her husband in his difficult times. government affairs.
In public life, the young woman tried to encourage people to give to charity, something she had learned from her parents as a child. Unfortunately, her ideas were not accepted at court; moreover, the empress was hated. The courtiers saw deceit and unnaturalness in all her proposals and even her facial expressions. But in fact, they were simply accustomed to idleness and did not want to change anything.
Of course, like any woman and wife, Alexandra Romanova had an effect on government activities spouse.
Many prominent politicians of that time noted that she had a negative influence on Nicholas. This was the opinion, for example, of S. Witte. And General A. Mosolov and Senator V. Gurko regretfully note its non-acceptance by Russian society. Moreover, the latter blames not the capricious character and some nervousness of the current empress, but the widow of Alexander III, Maria Fedorovna, who never fully accepted her daughter-in-law.
Nevertheless, her subjects obeyed her, and not out of fear, but out of respect. Yes, she was strict, but she was the same towards herself. Alix never forgot her requests and instructions, each of them was clearly thought out and balanced. Those who were close to the empress sincerely loved her and knew her not by hearsay, but deeply personally. For others, the empress remained a “dark horse” and the subject of gossip.
There were also very warm reviews about Alexander. So, the ballerina (by the way, she was Nikolai’s mistress before the latter’s wedding to Alix) mentions her as a woman of high morality and a broad soul.
Children: Grand Duchesses
The first Grand Duchess Olga was born in 1895. People's dislike for the empress increased even more, because everyone was waiting for a boy, an heir. Alexandra, not finding a response or support for her endeavors among her subjects, completely delves into family life, she even feeds her daughter on her own, without using the services of anyone, which was atypical even for noble families, let alone for the empress.
Later Tatiana, Maria and Anastasia are born. Nikolai Alexandrovich and Alexandra Fedorovna raised their children in simplicity and purity of spirit. It was an ordinary family, devoid of any arrogance.
Tsarina Alexandra Romanova herself was involved in education. The only exception was subjects with a narrow focus. Much attention was paid to outdoor sports and sincerity. The mother was the person to whom the girls could turn at any moment and with any request. They lived in an atmosphere of love and absolute trust. It was an absolutely happy, sincere family.
The girls grew up in an atmosphere of modesty and goodwill. Their mother independently ordered dresses for them in order to protect them from excessive extravagance and to cultivate meekness and chastity. They very rarely took part in social events. Their access to society was limited only by the requirements of palace etiquette. Alexandra Fedorovna, the wife of Nicholas 2, was afraid that the spoiled daughters of the nobility would have a detrimental effect on the girls.
Alexandra Fedorovna coped with the function of a mother brilliantly. The Grand Duchesses grew up to be unusually pure, sincere young ladies. In general, an extraordinary spirit of Christian splendor reigned in the family. Both Nicholas II and Alexandra Romanova noted this in their diaries. The quotes below only confirm the above information:
“Our love and our life are one whole... Nothing can separate us or reduce our love” (Alexandra Fedorovna).
“The Lord blessed us with rare family happiness” (Emperor Nicholas II).
Birth of an heir
The only thing that darkened the life of the spouses was the absence of an heir. Alexandra Romanova was very worried about this. On such days she became especially nervous. Trying to understand the reason and solve the problem, the empress begins to get involved in mysticism and gets even more involved in religion. This also affects her husband, Nicholas II, because he feels the mental torment of the woman he loves.
It was decided to attract the best doctors. Unfortunately, among them there was a real charlatan, Philip. Arriving from France, he so inspired the empress with thoughts of pregnancy that she really believed that she was carrying an heir. Alexandra Feodorovna developed a very rare disease - “false pregnancy”. When it became clear that the Russian Tsarina’s belly was growing under the influence of a psycho-emotional state, an official announcement had to be made that there would be no heir. Philip is expelled from the country in disgrace.
A little later, Alix nevertheless conceives and gives birth to a boy, Tsarevich Alexei, on August 12, 1904.
But she did not receive the long-awaited happiness of Alexander Romanov. Her biography says that the empress’s life from that moment on became tragic. The fact is that the boy is diagnosed with a rare disease - hemophilia. This is a hereditary disease, the carrier of which is a woman. Its essence is that blood does not clot. The person is overcome by constant pain and attacks. The most famous carrier of the hemophilia gene was Queen Victoria, nicknamed the grandmother of Europe. For this reason, this disease received the following names: “Victorian disease” and “Royal disease”. With the best care, the heir could live to a maximum of 30 years, but on average, patients rarely surpassed the age barrier of 16 years.
Rasputin in the life of the Empress
In some sources you can find information that only one person was able to help Tsarevich Alexei - Grigory Rasputin. Although this disease is considered chronic and incurable, there is a lot of evidence that the “man of God” could allegedly stop the suffering of the unfortunate child with his prayers. It is difficult to say how this is explained. It should be noted that the Tsarevich’s illness was a state secret. From this we can conclude how much the imperial family trusted this uncouth Tobolsk man.
A lot has been written about the relationship between Rasputin and the empress: some attribute to him exclusively the role of the savior of the heir, others - a love affair with Alexandra Fedorovna. The latest speculations are not unfounded - the society of that time was sure of the empress’s adultery, and there were rumors surrounding the tsarina’s betrayal of Nicholas II and Gregory. After all, the elder himself spoke about this, but then he was fairly drunk, so he could easily pass off wishful thinking. But it doesn’t take much to create gossip. According to those close to him, who did not harbor hatred for the august couple, the main reason for the close relationship between Rasputin and the imperial family was solely Alexei’s attacks of hemophilia.
How did Nikolai Alexandrovich react to rumors discrediting the pure name of his wife? He considered all this nothing more than fiction and inappropriate interference in privacy families. The emperor considered Rasputin himself “a simple Russian man, very religious and believer.”
One thing is certain: the royal family had deep sympathy for Gregory. They were one of the few who sincerely grieved after the murder of the elder.
Romanov during the war
First World War forced Nicholas II to leave St. Petersburg for Headquarters. Alexandra Fedorovna Romanova took upon herself government concerns. The Empress pays special attention to charity. She perceived the war as her personal tragedy: she sincerely grieved as she saw off the soldiers to the front, and mourned the dead. She read prayers over each new grave of a fallen warrior, as if he were her relative. We can safely say that Alexandra Romanova received the title “Saint” during her lifetime. This is the time when Alix becomes more and more involved in Orthodoxy.
It would seem that the rumors should subside: the country is suffering from war. Far from it, they became even more cruel. For example, she was accused of being passionate about spiritualism. This could not possibly be true, because even then the empress was a deeply religious person who rejected everything otherworldly.
Help for the country during the war was not limited to prayers. Together with her daughters, Alexandra mastered the skills of nurses: they began to work at the hospital, helping surgeons (assisting in operations), and providing all kinds of care to the wounded.
Every day at half past ten in the morning their service began: along with other sisters of mercy, the Empress removed amputated limbs, dirty clothes, and bandaged severe wounds, including gangrenous ones. This was alien to representatives of the highest noble class: they collected donations for the front, visited hospitals, and opened medical institutions. But none of them worked in operating rooms, as the empress did. And all this despite the fact that she was tormented by problems with her own health, undermined by nervous experiences and frequent childbirth.
The royal palaces were converted into hospitals, Alexandra Feodorovna personally formed ambulance trains and medicine warehouses. She made a vow that while the war was going on, neither she nor the grand duchesses would sew a single dress for themselves. And she remained true to her word to the end.
The spiritual appearance of Alexandra Romanova
Was Alexandra Romanova really a deeply religious person? Photos and portraits of the empress that have survived to this day always show the sad eyes of this woman; some kind of sorrow lurks in them. Even in her youth, she fully embraced the Orthodox faith, abandoning Lutheranism, the truths of which she had been brought up with since childhood.
Life's upheavals make her closer to God; she often retires to pray when she is trying to conceive a boy, and then when she learns about her son's fatal illness. And during the war, she frantically prays for the soldiers who were wounded and died for their Motherland. Every day before her service in the hospital, Alexandra Feodorovna takes certain time for prayers. For these purposes, the Tsarskoye Selo Palace even has a special prayer room.
However, her service to God consisted not only in diligent prayers: the empress launched truly large-scale charitable activities. She organized an orphanage, a home for the disabled, and numerous hospitals. She found time for her maid of honor, who had lost the ability to walk: she talked with her about God, spiritually instructed and supported her every day.
Alexandra Fedorovna never flaunted her faith; most often, when traveling around the country, she visited churches and hospitals incognito. She could easily merge with the crowd of believers, because her actions were natural, coming from the heart. Religion was a purely personal matter for Alexandra Fedorovna. Many at court tried to find notes of hypocrisy in the queen, but nothing worked.
So was her husband, Nicholas II. They loved God and Russia with all their hearts, and could not imagine another life outside of Russia. They made no distinctions between people, did not draw a line between titled persons and ordinary people. Most likely, this is why an ordinary Tobolsk man, Grigory Rasputin, at one time “took root” in imperial family.
Arrest, exile and martyrdom
Finishes life path Alexandra Feodorovna suffered martyrdom in the Ipatiev House, where the emperor’s family was exiled after the 1917 revolution. Even in the face of approaching death, while being held at gunpoint by a firing squad, she made the sign of the cross.
The “Russian Golgotha” was predicted to the imperial family more than once; they lived with it all their lives, knowing that everything would end very sadly for them. They submitted to the will of God and thus defeated the forces of evil. The royal couple was buried only in 1998.
Alexandra Fedorovna Romanova was born on June 7, 1872 in Darmstatt. The future Empress of the Russian Empire was the daughter of the Grand Duke of Hesse - Ludwig of Darmstadt and the English Princess Alice.
The parents named their daughter Alix Elena Louise Beatrice. She was the sixth child in the family. It is worth noting that her grandmother was Queen Victoria of England.
Alix's mother loved England, and her children received a real English upbringing. The daughter had oatmeal for breakfast, ate potatoes and meat for lunch, and for dessert she ate puddings and baked apples. Alix slept on a soldier's cot and took a cold bath in the morning.
Since childhood, Alix was characterized by shyness, which she had to fight in her life. adult life. Her mother died early, saw Alix and the death of her little brother, who died due to an accident. These events left a deep mark on her heart.
After the death of her mother, Alix took up her studies, and very diligently. Her teacher was Margaret Jackson, an Englishwoman who had a great influence on the formation of the personality of the future empress. By the age of 15, the girl knew literature, history, art, geography and mathematics very well.
She played the piano well. The princess knew foreign languages- English and French, read serious literature.
Alix first met her future husband, Nikolai Alexandrovich Romanov, at the wedding of her older sister, who was marrying Nikolai’s uncle, Sergei Alexandrovich Romanov. When visiting her sister, she more than once met with the heir to the Russian throne.
In 1889, Nicholas II wanted to marry Alix, but did not receive the blessing of his parents. Alexander III and Maria Fedorovna Romanov believed that Alix was not the best wife for the future emperor. For a long time, Nikolai and Alix corresponded and exchanged gifts.
In the spring of 1894, the parents nevertheless gave their consent to the marriage of Nicholas II to Alix. It was not an easy decision. In order to become the wife of Nikolai Alexandrovich, Alix had to convert to Christianity. It was very difficult for Alix to renounce Lutheranism, but she still accepted Orthodoxy. The influence of Nicholas II and his older sister Ella, who converted to Orthodoxy when she became the wife of Sergei Alexandrovich Romanov, had an effect.
Alix arrived in the Russian Empire shortly before the death of her husband's father, Alexander III. The baptism was performed by John of Kronstadt. During the baptismal ceremony, Alix received Russian name. Now she was called Alexandra Fedorovna. She received the middle name Fedorovna later, before the wedding. German princesses accepted the Orthodox faith before the image Holy Mother of God Feodorovskaya - patroness of the royal dynasty.
Alexandra Feodorovna diligently prepared for marriage. The future Empress diligently studied the Russian language. Russian speech came very easily to her. She quickly learned to write and read, and a little later she was able to speak Russian fluently. In addition to the usual Russian language, Alexandra Fedorovna also learned the Church Slavonic language. This allowed her to read liturgical books and the works of Russian saints.
On November 27, 1894, their wedding took place. The wedding ceremony was performed by John of Kronstadt. The royal couple, who were in mourning for the death of Alexander III, did not organize receptions or celebrations. The newlyweds also did not go on their honeymoon.
Contemporaries describe Alexandra Fedorovna as a very graceful woman. She was fragile, beautifully built, with a beautiful neck and shoulders. She wore her hair long, it was golden and thick. The Empress's complexion is pink, like that of a small child. The eyes are large, dark gray, always lively. Later, sorrows and anxieties betrayed a hidden sadness into the eyes of the empress.
On May 27, 1896, the coronation took place in the Assumption Cathedral royal family. Anointing for the kingdom church sacrament- this is the sovereign’s oath to rule the country, accepting responsibility for the state and people before God. Absolute power brings absolute responsibility. During the crowning ceremony, a tragedy occurred on the Khodynka field...
Alexandra Feodorovna and Nicholas II were depressed. But the planned celebrations could not be cancelled. Russia's ally, France, has invested heavily in the festivities, and would be very offended if the festivities were cancelled. The royal couple spent a lot of time in Moscow hospitals, empathizing with the victims.
From the first days of her anointing, the Empress wanted to slightly change the life of high Russian society. Her first project for this occasion is the organization of a circle of needlewomen, consisting of court ladies. Each of its participants had to sew three dresses a year and send them to the poor. The circle did not last long.
In 1895, Alexandra Fedorovna became a mother. The Empress gave birth to a daughter, Olga. In total she had 5 children. Four daughters and one son - the heir to the throne, Tsarevich Alexei. Russian society treated the empress coldly. Soon this coldness grew into open confrontation and hatred. Therefore, she plunged headlong into family affairs and charitable causes.
Alexandra Fedorovna felt happy only in the circle of her loved ones. She raised the children herself. She believed that communicating with young ladies of high society would spoil her children, so she rarely took them to receptions. She did not spoil the children, although she loved them dearly. I ordered dresses for them myself. The clothes of the royal children also included ceremonial uniforms with skirts, which corresponded to the uniform of the regiments led by the Grand Duchesses.
Alexandra Feodorovna was a great devotee of charity. She was an impeccable mother and wife, and knew firsthand what love and pain were. She provided all possible assistance to mothers in need. During the famine that broke out in 1898, she donated 50 thousand rubles from her personal funds for the hungry.
On the initiative of the Empress, workhouses, schools for nurses, and orthopedic clinics for sick children were created in the Russian Empire. With the outbreak of the First World War, she spent all her funds on helping widows of soldiers, wounded and orphans. Alexandra Feodorovna also cared about the school of folk art, which she founded in St. Petersburg.
She taught the children to keep diaries and write letters. Thus, she instilled literacy in them. It was a kind of educational trick. Children learned to express their thoughts competently and coherently and share their impressions. The royal couple exemplified true Christian life.
The relationship between the Emperor and the Empress was based on sincere love, which they gave not only to each other, but also to their children. The Romanov couple waited a long time for an heir; for a long time, they prayed to God for a son. And, on August 12, 1904, a son was born into the family - Tsarevich Alexei.
Empress Alexandra Feodorovna Romanova did not get involved in state affairs, although her influence on the sovereign was enormous. The main concern in her life was still children, whose upbringing took all her time.
During the First World War, when the Emperor became the Supreme Commander-in-Chief and was at Headquarters, the Empress began to think about state affairs, as it should be in such cases. Alexandra Fedorovna, together with her daughters, worked in hospitals. Often at night she came to the cemetery where the soldiers were buried. She walked around the graves and fervently prayed for the souls of the deceased Russian soldiers.
Empress Alexandra Feodorovna Romanova was brutally murdered along with her husband and children on July 17, 1918 in the basement of the Ipatiev House. The main thing in the life of the empress was love for God and neighbor, caring for her family and those in need. Prayer was a consolation for Alexandra Fedorovna, the inspiration for all the merciful deeds of the empress.
This term has other meanings, see Alexandra Fedorovna. Alexandra Fedorovna Friederike Luise Charlotte Wilhelmine von Preußen ... Wikipedia
Alexandra Feodorovna is the name given in Orthodoxy to two wives of Russian emperors: Alexandra Feodorovna (wife of Nicholas I) (Princess Charlotte of Prussia; 1798 1860) Russian empress, wife of Nicholas I. Alexandra Feodorovna (wife ... ... Wikipedia
- (real name Alice Victoria Elena Louise Beatrice of Hesse Darmstadt) (1872 1918), Russian Empress, wife of Nicholas II (from 1894). Played a significant role in government affairs. Was under strong influence G. E. Rasputin. In period 1... ...Russian history
Alexandra Fedorovna- (1872 1918) empress (1894 1917), wife of Nicholas II (from 1894), born. Alice Victoria Elena Louise Beatrice, daughter of Vel. Duke of Hesse of Darmstadt Ludwig IV and Alice of England. Since 1878, she was brought up in English. Queen Victoria; graduated... ...
Alexandra Fedorovna- (1798 1860) empress (1825 60), wife of Nicholas I (from 1818), born. Frederica Louise Charlotte of Prussia, daughter of the Prussian King Frederick William III and Queen Louise. Mother of the Imp. Al ra II and led. book Konstantin, Nikolai, Mikh. Nikolaevich and led. book... Russian humanitarian encyclopedic dictionary
- (25.V.1872 16.VII. 1918) Russian. Empress, wife of Nicholas II (from November 14, 1894). Daughter led. Duke of Hesse of Darmstadt Ludwig IV. Before her marriage she was named Alice Victoria Elena Louise Beatrice. Powerful and hysterical, had a great influence on... ... Soviet historical encyclopedia
Alexandra Fedorovna- ALEXANDRA FYODOROVNA (real name Alice Victoria Elena Louise Beatrice of Hesse of Darmstadt) (1872-1918), born. empress, wife of Nicholas II (since 1894). That means she was playing. role in government affairs. She was strongly influenced by G. E. Rasputin. In period 1... ... Biographical Dictionary
Russian Empress, wife of Nicholas II (since November 14, 1894). Daughter of the Grand Duke of Hesse, Louis IV of Darmstadt. Before her marriage she was named Alice Victoria Elena Louise Beatrice. Imperious and hysterical,... ... Big Soviet encyclopedia
- ... Wikipedia
- ... Wikipedia
Books
- The Fate of the Empress, Alexander Bokhanov. This book is about an amazing woman whose life was like both a fairy tale and an adventure novel. Empress Maria Feodorovna... Daughter-in-law of Emperor Alexander II, wife of the emperor...
- The Fate of the Empress, Bokhanov A.N.. This book is about an amazing woman whose life was similar to both a fairy tale and an adventure novel. Empress Maria Feodorovna... Daughter-in-law of Emperor Alexander II, wife of the emperor...
The union between Nicholas 2 and his wife Empress Alexandra Feodorovna is one of the most discussed marriages in the world community and modern history Europe. They were destined to become husband and wife after love broke out at the first meeting of the young people.
Princess Alexandra of Hesse-Darmstadt was born on June 6, 1872 in Germany. She became the last Russian empress, despite her German nationality. She was the fourth daughter of Duke Ludwig and Duchess of Great Britain - Alice, granddaughter of Queen Victoria of England.
Among all her grandchildren, Queen Victoria singled out Alexandra, and in her youth she affectionately called her “Sunny.” The girl liked that her grandmother, despite her busyness, devoted so much time to her and loved to practice etiquette with her.
Photo from childhood.
The princess's childhood was marred by the losses of her closest relatives. First, her brother Frederick died of a cerebral hemorrhage. She died in 1878 due to a diphtheria epidemic. elder sister Mary, and a few weeks later her mother, Duchess Alice, died.
The princess received her primary education together with her sister and brother, when she studied literacy with the best teachers of the royal dynasty. The girl eagerly studied political science, natural science, history, mathematics, philosophy and classical languages. Later, the Princess of Hesse will graduate from the University of Heidelberg and receive a bachelor's degree in philosophy.
Years later, on his deathbed, the father will tell Alexandra that he is proud of his daughter, and she will carry these words in her heart throughout her life.
At the age of 12, Alice will visit Russia for the first time during the wedding of her sister Ella (Elizabeth in Orthodoxy) and Prince Sergei Alexandrovich. Next time the princess will visit the Sergius Palace and meet her future husband, Nicholas 2.
After the first meeting, the young man will realize that he is in love with the princess and will order her portrait to be painted for him. They will begin a secret correspondence, which the parents will find out about and will forbid their son any communication. Later, historians published the diary of Nicholas 2’s wife, which describes Short story their acquaintances.
Family of Emperor Nicholas II
The last Russian emperor of the Romanov dynasty, who went down in history as a weak-willed ruler. According to the records of historians, control was very difficult for Nicholas. Despite this, he was able to make a significant contribution to the “industrial and economic development of Russia” at a time when the country was swept by a revolutionary movement.
Nicholas II was born on May 18, 1868 into the Romanov imperial family. He was the eldest son of Maria Feodorovna and Alexander III, and the only heir to the throne.
The childhood and youth of the last Tsar of the Russian Empire, Nicholas, were spent within the walls of the Gatchina Palace under the strict guidance of the noble couple. The Duke raised his offspring in a traditional spirit, taught him to read and write and paid special attention to his son in preparing for his accession to the throne. The father told his son that the throne is above all.
Despite the fact that Nicholas was educated at home, the prince received a liberal arts education and graduated from the school program with honors. Afterwards he completed a course of academic study (history, sociology, political science, financial law and economics).
The young prince was interested in military affairs and was interested in business strategy and law. At the age of 18, he took the oath of office at the Winter Palace and entered the service, where 3 years later he received the rank of colonel. All the years of his studies, he lived with one dream to meet his beloved Alice again.
In 1889, the future Duke began to attend meetings of the “State Council and Cabinet of Ministers,” where his father shared his experience in conducting government affairs.
After the death of his father, at the age of 26, Nicholas (the second) ascended the throne, and the coronation took place 2 years later in Moscow.
Nicholas 2 and his wife: a love story
After the first meeting with the Hessian princess, Nicholas 2 lost peace. He lived with dreams of his beloved Alex. The Empress won the heart of the young Duke, but the father was adamant. 5 years later, due to his sharply deteriorating health, Alexander III agreed to marry the duchess. On November 26, 1894, they were married in the Winter Palace, and on May 26, 1896, the couple were coronated and officially led the country. 
The marriage of Nikolai and Alexandra produced four children (Olga, Tatyana, Maria and Anastasia). The wife really wanted to give birth to a son for the king and was delirious about the birth of an heir. A few years later, Nicholas (the second) had a son, Alexei, but his health was of great concern to the royal family, since the boy had hemophilia.
The relationship between husband and wife was tender. Nikolai was not a public person; he tried to spend more time with his family. Many condemned his behavior, and some (behind his back) called the king a weak-willed husband of his wife.
The empress was never accepted in society; many noble ladies wanted points and spectacle, but Alexandra strove for knowledge. spiritual world. She spent a lot of time with her son Alexei in the company of Grigory Rasputin. Later, the heads of the dynasty would be accused of treason due to close communication with Rasputin. According to prosecutors, he had full power over the Romanov dynasty and subjugated the will of Nicholas (the second) while holding the position of “adviser”. 
From what country is the wife of Tsar Nicholas 2 - Alexandra Feodorovna
The lack of acceptance of the emperor's wife was aggravated by the fact that she was German. Russian noble families, and the entire people in general, despised the “Tsar” because he listened to the opinions of his wife and his adviser Grigory Rasputin and tried in every possible way to harm the head of the throne.
Real name of Nicholas 2's wife
From birth, the future wife of the emperor, Princess Alice of Hesse, had a different name, her name was Victoria Alex Elena Louise Beatrice. These are the names of her grandmother, mother and two aunts. This was the case before marriage, or rather before baptism, because before the wedding she needed to change her religion. Having accepted the Orthodox faith, the future duchess received the name Alexandra.
Nicholas 2 and his wife were relatives
The Emperor and the English King George 5 were cousins. Therefore, Nicholas was Queen Victoria's maternal grandson. Alice of Hesse (future wife) was also cousin George 5 and granddaughter of Queen Victoria. Thus, the future Romanov couple were originally second cousins. It was because of incest that their son Alexey was sick with hemophilia, which developed due to incest.
The height of Nicholas 2 Romanov and his wife
Despite the fact that Alexandra did not belong at court, many said that she is beautiful and smart, and what was especially noticeable was the duchess’s height, which, like her husband’s, was 168 cm. Centuries later, many historians and critics would agree that children royal dynasty they were very similar to their mother. 
What did his wife call Nicholas 2?
When Nikolai 2 was absent, and since Alexandra had no friends or girlfriends, she spent most of her time alone with her thoughts. This solitude subsequently affected her psyche, and over time developed into a disease. Her husband Nikolai (the second) loved his duchess very much and tried to distract her from her clouding of mind. He easily fulfilled her whims, trying to please her, and she, in turn, affectionately called him “Nicky.”
Many did not like the fact that “Her Majesty” was helping wounded German soldiers on the front line. There were rumors that such simplicity could reduce Alexandra's authority in the eyes of the people. She did not pay any attention to this and every day from early morning until late evening, together with her daughters, she treated wounded soldiers and prisoners of war of German soldiers.
Reading the diary, which consists of the memories of her maid of honor Anna Vyrubova, we see that she called the duchess merciful and the fairest ruler in Russian Empire. It also says that the emperor and empress were easy to communicate with peasants and soldiers, which endeared them to ordinary people.
Nicholas II and his entire family were fond of kayaking trips. It has been a childhood passion for the Duke since he was given his first kayak at the age of 13. Later, many relatives knew about his passion and often gave him exclusive boats as gifts. One of the most famous kayak trips is the four-kilometer descent through the Finnish skerries, which the couple went through together.
Alexandra and her husband annually celebrated their engagement day - April 8th. Every year they spent this day together, and in 1915 Nicholas 2 was on the front line and received a letter. The Duchess called him her favorite boy and wrote how happy she was that they were able to carry love through 21 years of marriage without losing the exciting feeling.
Rasputin and the wife of Nicholas 2
There were rumors about a love affair between Rasputin and Empress Alexandra, but there is no reliable evidence for these assumptions. “His Majesty” knew about Rasputin’s passions and all the scandals associated with Grigory. However, Nicholas II never believed the gossip about the duchess. He knew that Gregory was a true friend of the family.
It is known from reliable sources what exactly connected royal family and Rasputin:
- Gregory was an adviser to Nicholas II.
- Rasputin treated Prince Alexei for hemophilia, and Duchess Alexandra Feodorovna for periodic neurotic seizures.
- He was the representative of the peasants, and also the intermediary between the king and the Jewish bankers during the purchase agreement with Germany.
What were the names of the children of Nicholas 2 and Alexandra Fedorovna
Princess Olga Romanova was the first child of the royal dynasty. Born November 3, 1895. She was a gentle, fragile girl, but with great erudition, and showed an interest in books. She had exceptional hearing and loved to play the piano. The girl was modest and did not like lavish receptions, preferring privacy to them.
After May 29, 1897, the Empress gave birth to a daughter, Tatiana. Throughout her pregnancy, the Duchess feared a miscarriage because doctors diagnosed difficulties in the first stage of pregnancy. In character, Princess Tatiana was very similar to the duchess, she loved horse riding, and could spend hours in the royal stables, caring for her beloved pony. She was keen on walks in the forest and loved picking berries, mushrooms and wildflowers. She liked to embroider, which was in the spirit of her father.
The third daughter of the royal couple, Maria, was born on June 14, 1899. The Duchess was highly expecting an heir to the throne and was disappointed in her daughter who appeared and went into a depressed state for some time. Nicholas II reassured his wife, saying that for him, every daughter is the best gift in the world from his beloved wife, and decided to name her in honor of his mother. The girl was modest showed interest in the exact sciences and later received a good education.
During her fourth pregnancy, Alexandra was expecting the birth of a son, but on June 5, 1901, a girl was born. Anastasia was an exact copy of her father and was considered the favorite among all the children. The girl grew up the noisiest child, happily rushed around the palace, loved to play hide and seek, rounders and could climb trees for hours, for which she repeatedly received nuts from the duchess.
Tsarevich Alexei was a long-awaited son; a boy was born on July 30, 1904, when Alexander’s mother despaired of giving her husband an heir. A year before the pregnancy, the entire royal family lived for six months in the Sarov desert, where, according to the duchess, God blessed her to conceive a son.
The boy was born with a rare congenital disease - hemophilia, which did not allow him to fully develop, which greatly worried the entire Romanov dynasty. However, Grigory Rasputin was able to find a way to improve the child’s condition, and was his closest friend.
Alexandra and Nikolai (the second) loved their children very much, As we know from history, all members of the royal Romanov dynasty died on the same day.
Nicholas 2: execution of a family
The execution of the royal family was scheduled for the night of July 16-17, 1918. The murder of all members of the family of Nicholas II took place in Yekaterinburg, in the basement of Ipatiev’s house on Clara Zetkin Street. The execution was commanded by Yakov Yurovsky.
Thanks to his manuscripts, which he wrote in his diary, it was possible to reproduce the chain of events of a terrible day for the Romanov dynasty. That night, 11 people died: Nikolai 2, his wife Alexander, five children, family doctor Botkin and three servants. Two dogs were also shot there; only the spaniel Joy, Alexei’s pet, survived. The shot bodies of the Romanovs were thrown into shafts near abandoned mines in the Sverdlovsk region.
When the diary entries of Alexandra Fedorovna were made public, all of Russia learned that Before her death, the Duchess thanked God for everything that happened to her in this life. And in last letter She wrote to Anya that she knew that they would all be killed soon, but no one would take away her love for her family and the Russian Empire, which she considered her second homeland. Last words the letter contained the words: “Lord, save Russia from collapse and have mercy on my subjects.”
The last Russian empress - one of the most “promoted” female characters of the Romanov dynasty - invariably maintained a strict view of “external decency”.
Alexandra Fedorovna. Photo: hu.wikipedia.org.
Victoria Alice Elena Louise Beatrice of Hesse-Darmstadt - Empress Alexandra Feodorovna, wife of Nicholas II
This is, of course, one of the most “promoted” female characters of the Romanov dynasty. “Tall and slender, always serious, with a constant shade of deep sadness, with reddish spots protruding on her face, which indicated her nervous state, with her beautiful and stern features. Those who saw her for the first time admired her greatness; those who observed her every day could not deny her rare royal beauty.” (From the Memoirs of G. I. Shavelsky)
Their wedding with the heir to the Russian throne, Grand Duke Nikolai Alexandrovich, took place on April 7 (19), 1894 “in Coburg at a large family gathering: Queen Victoria was there with her two granddaughters, Princesses Victoria and Maude, German Emperor Wilhelm II... Upon arrival in Coburg, the Heir proposed again, but for three days Princess Alice refused to give her consent and gave it only on the third day under pressure from all family members,” wrote Matilda Kshesinskaya in her “Memoirs.”
Even before the wedding, according to Orthodox custom, the bride connected the August groom to the problem of her toiletries: “I am enclosing [to the letter] three samples of velvet, since I can’t decide which one to choose... Now you choose whether it will be a pale gray mouse color or yellow (or apple)... Front length from neck to waist - 37 cm, from waist to floor - 111 cm. Here, Mr. Tailor, is everything clear to you?”
All memoirists agreed that the last Russian empress was loving wife and an ideal mother. But only her close friends remembered her as a woman who had her own style, tastes, affections, and hobbies. Alexandra Feodorovna firmly remained faithful to the education system laid down by her grandmother, Queen Victoria of England. This was her individual scale of ethical and aesthetic values, which often did not coincide with the views and tastes of the St. Petersburg society. There is a known case when, during one of the first balls, where Alexandra Fedorovna, who had recently arrived in Russia, was present, she saw a young lady dancing in an outfit with an unusually low neckline. The maid of honor sent to her said: “Her Imperial Majesty asked to be informed that such dresses are not worn in Hesse-Darmstadt.” The answer was quite sharp: “Pass Her over.” To the Imperial Majesty that here in Russia we love and wear just such dresses!”
No, she, of course, was not a “bluestocking,” but she maintained her strict views on “external decency.” Alexandra Fedorovna wore clothes in muted pastel colors, preferring blue, white, lilac, gray, and light pink. However, the empress's favorite color was lilac. It dominated not only her wardrobe, but also the interior of her personal rooms. The Empress preferred to order dresses from the workshop of her favorite couturier August Brisac, owner of the St. Petersburg Ladies' Fashion Workshop. The empress wore a purple suit from the House of Brisac on the night of July 17, 1918, when she and all her relatives were taken to be shot in the basement of the mansion of the merchant Ipatiev.
Among Her Majesty's preferred suppliers was also the famous St. Petersburg jeweler Carl Faberge. In particular, in the summer of 1895, he was ordered a set of crochet hooks for Alexandra Feodorovna, about which he inquired from the Empress’s Chamberlain M. Goeringer: “Dear Madam! I ask you to inform me as soon as possible how Her Majesty wishes to have these crochet hooks: a pair or one, with stones or just a gold decoration, which line, etc. Your humble servant K. Faberge.” (spelling and punctuation of the author of the note have been preserved - author)
“As far as I know, Alix was rather indifferent to precious jewelry, with the exception of pearls, of which she had a lot, but the court gossips claimed that she was indignant at not being able to wear all the rubies, pink diamonds, emeralds and sapphires that were stored in the box of my mother (the Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna - author)." ("Memories" Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna)
Alexandra Fedorovna’s entire family was passionate about photography. They photographed their loved ones and acquaintances during their travels, vacations in Livadia and the Finnish skerries, in their beloved Alexander Palace in Tsarskoe Selo... Even an amateur photo has been preserved, in which you can see the empress at home, pasting photographs into a personal album. Another “hobby” of Her Majesty was tennis. “...Then I relaxed on the upstairs balcony, after which I played tennis from 3 to 5. The heat was simply murderous, my brain was simply in an idiotic state. I played really well today." (From a letter to Nicholas II June 1900)
