Georgy Alexandrovich Romanov was the brother of the Russian Emperor Nicholas II. He was the third son in the family of the autocrat Alexander III and Maria Feodorovna.

Childhood and youth

George was born on April 27 (May 9), 1871 in Tsarskoye Selo (Russian Empire). It is known that at first he was a beautiful, healthy, strong and extremely cheerful child. Despite the fact that George was known as his mother's favorite, he, like other brothers, was brought up in strictness. The boys slept on got up in the morning at 6 o'clock and washed cold water. Their breakfast consisted of black bread and porridge, and for lunch they ate lamb cutlets or roast beef with baked potatoes and peas. When George was 11 years old, he was even whipped for one of the offenses, although such assault was not characteristic of the royal family.

At that time, the imperial couple often lived in the Gatchina Palace. There, the children had at their disposal a small bedroom, a playroom, a living room and a dining room, which were furnished with inexpensive furniture. The only valuable thing in their dwelling was a large icon, generously inlaid with pearls and precious stones.

The news of the disease

Usually the brothers' studies were conducted in different rooms, so that they had no reason to distract each other. All teachers were the same. It is worth noting that they were given an excellent education, as their lessons were taught by real professors. The boys were very bright, as evidenced by the fact that they were fluent in French, German and English and also spoke good Danish. In addition, the young men were fond of fishing and shot well.

Georgy Romanov grew up as a smart boy and he was destined for a brilliant career in the navy. Unfortunately, this was not destined to come true. He fell seriously ill, and soon the doctors diagnosed him with tuberculosis. In 1890, the parents decided that George needed to go abroad. On this journey, he was accompanied by his elder brother Nikolai. They were supposed to arrive in Japan, as Empress Maria Feodorovna believed that sea air and sunbathing would help her sick son recover. But in Bombay, George had a seizure, which forced him to return to Russia. Nicholas had to continue the journey without his brother.

Caucasian resort

George's health was getting worse, so they decided to send him to Abastumani, a small Georgian village located at the foot of the Meskheti Mountains. I must say that this choice was not accidental. Even then it was known about the unique climate, beautiful nature and life-giving sources of those places. The village gradually began to turn into a popular balneological resort. Residents from nearby villages came here for treatment, bringing sick relatives and staying in huts not far from the baths arranged right in the ground.

Why was it decided to treat George in Abastumani? It is known that before sending him here, several places were considered where the young man would feel better. We stopped at Abastumani with its unique climate. This was largely facilitated by the Grand Duke Mikhail Nikolayevich, who at that time was the governor in the Caucasus. He fell in love with this region and was sure of the extraordinary healing properties of its climate. Here he had four sons, who would later spend a lot of time with Georgy Romanov.

Arrival in the Caucasus

In 1891, Maria Feodorovna, together with her sick son, several members of her retinue and a convoy, arrived in Abastumani. Previously, a piece of land was bought here from Adolf Remmert, a medical inspector in the Caucasus, who supervised the work on the arrangement of mineral waters. They immediately began to build temporary residential buildings and set up tents for servants and guards. The Empress herself, her son and her inner circle settled in the best houses of local aristocrats.

In the meantime, on the purchased site, the so-called palaces were being rapidly built - one stone and two wooden. These buildings were quite unusual. The walls of wooden palaces were made up of thick logs, sewn up with shields, after which they were trimmed. It was believed that living in such houses is better. In one of the palaces, all the rooms were decorated by skilled craftsmen who laid beautiful tiled wall stoves in them, and a huge fireplace flaunted in the hall. On the second floor there were bedrooms, where a wide staircase led.

Life in Abastumani

In a small pretty town, time passed slowly. There is no information about the personal life of Georgy Romanov. It is only known that here he underwent a complex of various medical procedures, and in the summer he made trips to the picturesque surroundings and studied. His faithful companion was always the Grand Duke Georgy Mikhailovich, who was often called Gigo in the Georgian manner. He was born in Tiflis and was an excellent connoisseur of history, since from childhood he was keenly interested in these places with so many ancient monuments.

Grand Duke Georgy Romanov fell in love with this region. A particularly strong impression on him was made by the monastery of Zarzma, which he visited together with his constant companion Georgy Mikhailovich. Later, the architecture of this monastery inspired him to decide on the construction of a church dedicated to Alexander Nevsky, his heavenly patron. Its construction was led by Otto Simanson.

Tsarevich heir

In 1894, Romanova, Emperor Alexander III, died unexpectedly. Brother Nicholas becomes the new autocrat. However, he did not yet have his own children at that time, so George was declared the heir-tsarevich. His health was still poor, so for some time he had to live without a break in Abastumani. Despite the fact that he was with his father at the time of his death in Livadia, the doctors categorically forbade him to go to St. Petersburg and take part in the funeral.

The real joy of George was the rare visits of his mother Maria Fedorovna at that time. In 1895, their joint trip to Denmark to visit relatives took place. It was there that one of the most serious attacks happened, which for a long time chained George to bed. When he got better, he returned back to Abastumani.

Friendly Support

Despite a serious illness, Tsarevich Georgy Romanov never felt lonely. In Abastumani, his mother began to visit him much more often. In addition, his sisters and brothers constantly came to him, as well as the children of Prince Mikhail Nikolayevich, the Grand Dukes permanently residing in the Caucasus.

The friendly environment did its best to dispel George's sad thoughts. They arranged cheerful picnics, interesting evenings, fancy-dress balls, which were so fashionable at that time in St. Petersburg. Not only from Tiflis, but also from the capital itself, many young people came to him. It is known that the Tsarevich even baptized the daughter of Artemy Kalamkarov, the director of the local post office. By the way, the wife of the official took an active part in the Abastuman court life. There seemed to be no sign of trouble.

Death of the Tsarevich

Wednesday, June 28, 1899, 9 a.m. George decides to take a walk around the outskirts of Abastumani. To do this, he asked for a tricycle powered by a gasoline engine. The weather was fine and a pleasant breeze was blowing. The Grand Duke quickly drove along the highway to the Zekar Pass. Soon he noticed a cart ahead, in which Anna Dasoeva, a milkmaid, and her worker, a boy named Afanasy Semenikhin, rode. The prince signaled and they gave way to him, directing their cart to the side of the road.

In less than 10 minutes, the thrush saw Georgy returning on his tricycle back, but much more slowly. She immediately noticed his bloody tunic and, feeling trouble, sent the boy to the palace, and she herself ran to the prince. His strength was rapidly leaving him, so she helped him down to the ground. Soon Anna Dasoeva noticed that spots began to appear on George's face. At 9:35 a.m. the heir to the crown prince and the grand duke was gone. He was only 28.

Causes of death

In the meantime, Afanasy Semenikhin, sent to the palace, reported the misfortune. To the place of the tragedy, the life doctor Aykanov and several persons from the prince's retinue immediately left. The body of George was transported to the palace, and at the place where he died, they set up a tent and put guards on it.

The next morning, an autopsy was performed, and then the embalming of the body, which was carried out by the senior intern of the St. Petersburg Semenov hospital, Mr. Birulya, who was resting in Abastumani. At the same time, the commandant, Major General Rylsky, prosecutor Nimander, Ch. a local hospital doctor, Mr. Gopadze, as well as doctors Maksimovich, Tekutiev, Voskresensky and others. An autopsy found that the death of the Tsarevich was due to a sudden rupture of one of the pulmonary vessels, which resulted in a severe hemorrhage. The embalming of the body was completed only in the evening.

Worship

Starting from the day of death, a large number of the local population began to flock to the site of the tragedy. Two days later, everyone began to admit to the ashes of the Grand Duke, put up for worship in the palace, to say goodbye to the heir to the crown prince. His body rested in a temporary coffin covered with a naval ensign. The Grand Duke himself was dressed in a naval uniform.

On the ninth day, the ashes of Georgy Romanov were transferred to the Alexander Nevsky Church. A funeral liturgy was held here, and at the end of it a memorial service was performed, which was attended by representatives of various departments, authorities and the generals. Anna Dasoeva was also allowed to be present here, in whose arms the Grand Duke died.

Way to Petersburg

The gospel was read in church all night. July 7 at 4:15 a.m. In the morning, Prince Nikolai Mikhailovich arrived here, accompanied by representatives of the authorities. Soon the coffin with the ashes was carried out and placed on the hearse. After that, the procession, led by the clergy and accompanied by the troops of the garrison, moved to Borjomi. Upon arrival, the coffin with the body of the Grand Duke was placed on an emergency train departing for Batumi.

There, the mournful procession was met by Empress Maria Feodorovna, the sisters and brothers of the deceased, and also in Batumi they arrived on the battleship "George the Victorious", which was escorted by the Black Sea squadron. The coffin was transferred to a barge and taken to the ship. There it was installed on the quarterdeck of the ship, surrounded by beautiful tropical plants. After that, the battleship began to be surrounded by boats and steamers with people who wanted to say goodbye to the deceased crown prince. At 10 o'clock. 15 minutes. the ship headed towards Novorossiysk. From there the coffin railway was delivered to Rostov-on-Don. The funeral train on its way stopped several times to perform requiems. On the morning of July 11, he arrived in Moscow, and the next day in the evening - in St. Petersburg.

The funeral

The burial of Georgy Romanov, whose biography turned out to be so short, took place on July 14. The liturgy and the funeral service were performed by Metropolitan Anthony in the Peter and Paul Cathedral, after which the moment came for farewell to the deceased.

Maria Fedorovna was the first to approach the coffin, followed by the elder brother of the deceased, autocrat Nicholas II. After them, the entire royal family took turns saying goodbye to the Grand Duke. The coffin with his body was lowered into the grave, located next to the sarcophagus of Alexander III.

Memory

Emperor Nicholas II never forgot about his brother Georgy Alexandrovich. Subsequently, he often recalled his extraordinary sense of humor. He even wrote down his most successful jokes on scraps of paper, and then collected them in a special chest, known as the "box of curiosities." Years later, Nikolai turned to its contents more than once in order to amuse his household.

In 1910, when a son was born to Grand Duke Mikhail Alexandrovich, he named him George in honor of his elder brother. Unfortunately, he didn't live long either. At the age of 21, he died in a terrible car accident. It is also known that in honor of the Grand Duke Georgy Romanov, the settlement of Georgsfeld, founded by German colonists in 1885, located in Transcaucasia, was named. Now it is a settlement of Chinarly (Azerbaijan).

genetic research

In 1994, it became necessary to conduct a DNA analysis of the remains of the imperial family shot in Yekaterinburg in 1918. For this, it was decided to exhume the body of Nicholas II's younger brother Georgy Romanov. This procedure put an end to the long-term problem of finding the DNA of the next of kin of the murdered autocrat, since foreign descendants flatly refused to provide their biological material.

The result of these genetic studies was the conclusion that from a forensic, medical and scientific point of view, the result was excellent. This means that the genotype of Georgy Romanov completely coincided with the DNA of the object called "skeleton No. 4". It was under this number that the remains of the last Russian Emperor Nicholas II were listed.

Religion:	Orthodoxy
Birth:	March 13 ( 1981-03-13 ) (31 year) Madrid, Spain
Genus:	Romanovs
Father:	Franz Wilhelm of Prussia (in Orthodoxy - Mikhail Pavlovich)
Mother:	Maria Vladimirovna Romanova
Awards:

Georgy Mikhailovich Romanov(born March 13, Madrid, Spain) - a descendant of the Romanov dynasty through his mother, recognized by part of the monarchists (Kirillovites) [the significance of the fact?] heir to the leadership in the Russian Imperial House. The only child of Maria Romanova and Prince of Prussia Franz Wilhelm (in Orthodoxy - Mikhail Pavlovich). Not married.

Pedigree

George is the son of Prince Franz Wilhelm of Prussia of Hohenzollern and Maria Vladimirovna Romanova. Parents divorced in 1986.

Father - son of Prince of Prussia Karl Franz Joseph (lieutenant german army), grandson of Prince Joachim of Prussia, great-grandson German Emperor Wilhelm II , deposed in 1918 .

Through her great-grandmother, the English princess Victoria Melita (Grand Duchess Victoria Feodorovna) - a direct descendant (great-great-grandson) of the English Queen Victoria, is also her descendant through her father, his great-great-grandmother Victoria, her daughter and mother of Wilhelm II, but due to the fact that according to English law 1919, all those who fought against England were deprived of English awards and titles. He is 117th in the line of succession to the British throne.

Title

Item h) Act of July 21, 1976, Vladimir Kirillovich, even before the marriage of his daughter Maria Vladimirovna, established that his future grandchildren would bear the first name of Romanov and the grand ducal title, followed by the addition of the family name and title of prince or princess of Prussia. However, at birth, Georgy Mikhailovich received the surname Romanov and the title of His Imperial Highness the Grand Duke - the title of Prince of Prussia was no longer mentioned. Since 1992, the supporters of Maria Vladimirovna have been titled as “His Imperial Highness the Sovereign Heir Tsesarevich and Grand Duke". They also suggest that Georgy Mikhailovich will become the founder of a new Russian dynasty - the Romanovs-Hohenzollerns

The opinion of opponents

Opponents of the Kirillovichs call George Georg Hohenzollern, and also - jokingly - "Tsarevich Gosha".

Rights as Prince of Prussia

Georgy Mikhailovich, being the great-grandson of Joachim-Franz-Humbert, Prince of Prussia - the sixth and last son of the German Emperor Wilhelm II from the Hohenzollern dynasty and Princess Maria-Augusta of Anhalt, theoretically has the right to claim the title of Elector of Brandenburg, in contrast to his fourth cousin Georg-Friedrich Hohenzollern (the current Head of the Prussian Royal House), whose grandfather - Prince Friedrich-Wilhelm, the eldest son of Kaiser Wilhelm II - abdicated his rights to the throne on December 1, 1918. However, the fact that Friedrich-Wilhelm renounced his rights to the throne only on his own behalf, and not on behalf of his descendants, is of fundamental importance here, and his heir, Louis Ferdinand, was born in 1907, while Friedrich-Wilhelm was still crown prince. Thus, after the abdication of his father, Louis Ferdinand became crown prince, and his heirs are the heirs to the Prussian throne. George in the list of heirs to the Prussian throne is after all the descendants of Louis Ferdinand.

Biography

He spent his childhood in the city of Saint-Briac, then he moved to Paris. Until 1999, he lived with his mother in his native Madrid.

He studied at schools in France and Spain. Educated in

Georgy Romanov: "No longer in exile"

What is a monarchy and what is its place in modern world? In the year of the 400th anniversary of the Russian Imperial House, his heir, Tsarevich Georgy Romanov, discusses this.

His Imperial Highness (HE) Sovereign Heir Tsesarevich and Grand Duke Georgy Mikhailovich Romanov was born on March 13, 1981 in Madrid. Mother - Head of the Russian Imperial House E.I.V. The Empress Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna, the only daughter of the Head of the Russian Imperial House H.I.V. Sovereign Grand Duke Vladimir Kirillovich and His August wife - H.I.V. Grand Duchess Leonida Georgievna (nee E.Ts.V. Princess Bagration-Mukhrani-Georgian). Father - Grand Duke Mikhail Pavlovich, Prince of Prussia.

He spent his childhood in France, then lived in Madrid until 1999. Baptized in the Orthodox faith. In 1998, he adopted the Russian Empire Dynastic Oath of allegiance to the Fatherland and to his August Mother. Graduated from Oxford. He worked at the European Parliament in Brussels, then at the European Commission in Luxembourg (in the department for nuclear energy and safety of nuclear production). In November 2008, he received an offer to work at OJSC MMC Norilsk Nickel. In December 2008, he was appointed Advisor to the CEO of the company and a member of the Board of the Nickel Institute.

Against the backdrop of the Emperor's Bridge Alexander III. Paris, France, June 2013

- You were born in Spain, lived in France as a child, studied in England, started your career in Belgium and Luxembourg, now you work alternately in the UK, Belgium, Switzerland. We visited Russia for the first time in 1992. Where is your home?

- From infancy, I was brought up in the idea that my homeland is Russia. We are grateful to the countries that provided asylum to the Imperial House in difficult years. But Russia was and remains in the first place.

— 1992. You are 11 years old. Do you remember your first impressions of Russia? Did you understand who you are and where you came, or did you perceive this trip as a tourist?

- We came for the first time to the funeral and funeral of grandfather (on the maternal side, H.I.V. Grand Duke
Vladimir Kirillovich. - Ed.). I was very worried about his death. At the same time, like any child, I switched to new experiences faster than adults. I came to Russia as to my own country and saw it not as a tourist, but as a person for whom it is dear and close. I didn’t even think about it on purpose, it’s natural, like air.

Les Invalides, Paris. Tomb of Napoleon. June, 2013

- What about the language? You have been fluent in Russian since childhood, but you learned it as a foreign language. Relatives - which they began to speak, mastered the profession - were Spanish, French, English. What language is spoken in your family?

— The preservation of the Russian language is indeed the biggest problem in exile. All beliefs and ideas, faith and patriotism can be conveyed in any language, but the preservation of one mother tongue is the most subtle and vulnerable area of ​​life away from one's homeland. I am ready to admit that I still have a lot of work to do to improve it. I say this without any hesitation. I am happy that I was taught to speak Russian from childhood and that I understand everything. But with colloquial speech a little bit worse. For those who have not lived in a foreign language environment, it is difficult to understand this. But who gets into it and stays for a long time, begins to speak with an accent and think in the language of the country of residence, even if he was brought up from childhood
in the Russian-speaking environment.

In the family, we speak all languages, and sometimes a mixture of them. When you know several languages, you involuntarily look for exactly those words that most fully express the thought. And then you start to combine words and expressions from different languages. You start a sentence in Spanish, continue in Russian, and end in English, inserting a French word somewhere else. Sometimes it’s funny - fellow travelers on a plane or train can’t stand it and ask: “What is this strange language that you speak?”

— You and Her Imperial Highness have Russian citizenship. When and how did you receive it?

— Our Russian citizenship was restored in 1992. It was an honest and fair step of the Russian authorities. We had no difficulties, on the contrary, we were invited to the Russian embassy in Paris and solemnly handed over our passports. Even with the Soviet coat of arms on the cover. From now on, we come to our country, like all our compatriots. In Spain, we also have paperwork, because while we live abroad and we need freedom of movement.

- De jure, according to the Basic Laws of the Russian Empire, you are the Heir in exile. De facto - a citizen of Russia, you can enter it without hindrance and at any time you can permanently settle in it. What prevents this from being done: your unwillingness or reasons of an objective nature?

- We are no longer in exile, but not all legal issues related to the final return of the Imperial House to the Motherland have been resolved. If we were private individuals, we could return at any moment. But both my mother and I are obliged to preserve the Imperial House as a historical institution. We have no political and property claims, but we consider it fair that the modern state legally determine the status of the Dynasty, as happened in most countries, including the former communist ones. When the decision is made, we will return to permanent residence in Russia. In the meantime, we try to visit as often as possible.

Paris, Carousel Square. June, 2013

- You have warm relations with the Russian authorities. However, these relations are not formalized by law. Was the topic of determining the legal status of the Russian Imperial House raised in the course of communication with the country's leadership?

“Our position on the status has been repeatedly expressed and is well known. Anyone can read it, ask questions, put forward arguments. But for ourselves we neither demand nor ask for anything. I am sure that I am the government modern Russia not against the status of the Imperial House in principle, but reflects on the moment at which such an act would be most appropriate. We treat this situation with respect and patience and try to be useful to our country without setting any conditions. Everything has its time. Sometimes you want some processes to develop faster. But any fruit must ripen. We are not in a hurry, because both behind us and in front of us are centuries. And we do what we consider our duty, regardless of what is happening around.

- From what you observe in modern Russia - what disgusts and what causes respect? What are our "trump cards" in comparison with other states, and what should we learn from them?

— Russia gives the whole world a unique experience of unity in diversity. AT European countries lament the failure of the multicultural project. And in our country, multiculturalism was and, thank God, still remains a natural state. Coexistence within united state, cooperation and mutual assistance of peoples with different traditions is the most valuable asset historical development Russia.

It is very important that in Russia people do not hesitate to show their faith. Years of persecution could not eradicate religiosity. Our modern state is secular, but it respects the Orthodox Church and traditional confessions and does not try to replace secularism with atheism and aggressive secularization. public life.

If we talk about what upsets ... Probably, our compatriots still lack respect for each other. In the 20th century, the value of the human person and life itself was underestimated. Each of us needs to constantly cultivate a full-fledged personality in ourselves and remember that self-respect is impossible without respect for others.

- On the maternal side, you belong to another royal family - Bagration-Mukhransky. He is one of the oldest in Europe, descends from the psalmist David. What is Georgia for you? Do you know the Georgian language?

– I was in Georgia quite a long time ago, in the mid-1990s, when the ashes of my great-grandfather and great-grandmother, Prince Georgy Alexandrovich and Princess Elena Sigismundovna, were transferred to the tomb of the Georgian kings in Mtskheta. Georgia is a wonderful country, wonderful noble people live in it. We are very hurt that for political reasons relations between Russia and Georgia have deteriorated. But I am sure that this state is temporary, and no one can destroy the friendship between fraternal Orthodox peoples. Georgian language, Unfortunately, i do not know. Only a few words and expressions.

Your grandmother, Her Imperial Highness Grand Duchess Leonida Georgievna, recently died. What place did she occupy in your life?

My grandmother gave me a lot. She was human Great love, very witty, had wisdom and worldly experience. She talked a lot about her life. About the people with whom fate brought her together. She well remembered life in the USSR, from where she left at a conscious age. The most important lessons from conversations with her - you should never lose faith, optimism and self-esteem.

- Which of your relatives was closest to you in childhood?

- As a boy, I was drawn to my grandfather (H.I.V. Grand Duke Vladimir Kirillovich). Unfortunately, he left earthly life when I was still a child. But I will forever remember his majesty, excellent education, restraint, calm gentleness, kindness to people. He had an incredible breadth of interests. He could competently talk about a variety of scientific, spiritual and cultural issues, then immediately take up technology with enthusiasm - repairing a car, or designing model aircraft, or riding a go-kart, he could quickly switch from performing his official duties to a carefree game with children. In his personality, adherence to traditional principles and openness to everything new, modern were surprisingly harmoniously combined.

What holidays do you celebrate in your family? Which of them is dearer to you - now and in childhood?

- Easter and Christmas. In addition to the deep religious meaning, these holidays are reminiscent of happy childhood.

- Sovereign Nikolai Alexandrovich was called Niki, Empress Alexandra Fedorovna - Alix. What name do you commemorate them - official or family? Do you have family nicknames?

- Great-grandfather Emperor Kirill Vladimirovich and members of the Dynasty of his generation, of course, in the family circle continued to say "Niki" and "Alix". For grandfather, they were "Uncle Nicky" and "Aunt Alix", and so for us it remained in the family circle. AT public speaking we often use the combination "sovereign martyr", "holy sovereign". The tradition of giving diminutive names has been preserved in our family, as in many others. My mother calls me Gogi, my mother’s cousin, the head of the Georgian Royal House, Prince Georgy Iraklievich, was called Georgie, my mother’s elder aunt Grand Duchess Maria Kirillovna was called “Aunt Mashka”, the husband of the younger aunt of Grand Duchess Kira Kirillovna was Prince Louis Ferdinand, “Uncle Lulu” ...

- The idea of ​​the State-Family and the Sovereign - the father of subjects - is one of the fundamental for the monarchy as social institution. It is connected with the idea of ​​a family-genus, and, probably, this is a tough bunch. The destruction of the family-state, the abolition of fatherhood-monarchy entails the destruction of the family as such, which we are seeing with regret in the West. Is this process irreversible or is it possible to go back?

- What is unnatural, sooner or later is defeated by human nature. History has proven this time and again.

For example, all attempts to destroy faith in God remain unsuccessful. The same applies to the family. You can ban some words, but you can not cancel concepts and phenomena. No one will be born without a father and mother. Any absurd tendencies will certainly be overcome. It is desirable that our country should avoid going through this strange and harmful fashion.

- Recent history does not know a single case of the formation of functioning monarchies. Only downfall. Why?

- Several cases of restoration of the monarchy in recent history took place. In Europe it happened in Spain, in Asia it happened in Cambodia. In many countries, especially in Eastern Europe, the royal dynasties, although they did not return to political power, regained a significant position in society. In France and Italy, where laws were in place to expel the heads of royal houses and their direct heirs, discriminatory measures have been abolished. So the overall trend is positive.

But fundamentally new monarchies do not arise, most likely because Bonapartism at one time became a good vaccine against a surrogate for an illegitimate monarchy. If even such a great man as Napoleon Bonaparte could not ensure the future of a new type of monarchy, then it is unlikely that others will be able to do it. The only unique phenomenon of this kind of “monarchy” is the communist “hereditary republic” in North Korea. It has been in existence for three generations. But it is unlikely that this experience can be applied elsewhere. Each country has its own monarchical tradition, inextricably linked with a certain dynasty and with a whole range of ideas, values ​​and norms. If the monarchical principle in one form or another returns to the life of any nation, then it can truly be embodied only in legitimate successive hereditary forms.

- Modern political thought considers the monarchy as a less perfect and less progressive way of government. Plato and Aristotle call it one of the types state structure- along with democracy, oligarchy, aristocracy, etc. According to Aristotle, they are equivalent, they cannot be compared with each other. It is appropriate to compare a “bad” monarchy with a “good” one, and the first one does not have to be overthrown, it can also be “treated”. Finally, monarchists consider monarchy to be optimal. Which of these positions do you prefer?

- Of course, I absolutely cannot agree with the thesis that the monarchy is a "less perfect and less progressive" way of governing. If we objectively consider historical reality, we will see that the most effective modernizers were precisely the monarchs. There are far fewer successful reformers among Republican leaders. And if one of them succeeded in something, then at such a terrible price that then the fruits of all victories were lost. Of course, monarchs are not without sin, and the price of their reforms for the peoples has also been high. But, firstly, they, as a rule, did not spare themselves either, did not sit in underground bunkers, did not hide behind other people's backs in battles. Suffice it to recall Peter the Great. And secondly, both in general numerical and in percentage terms human losses under the monarchy are incommensurable with the gigantic losses under republican regimes.

you used a lot good word about the monarchy - "optimal". She really isn't perfect. Like any human device, it has a number of shortcomings. But it is optimal because it arose and developed in a natural way. The original way of organizing human society there was a family, then more complex tribal relations developed, and when it became necessary to live by law in the state, this state was also built on the principle of family and clan. The monarch is not just a ruler, but the father of his people. He is a born arbiter, not beholden to the power of any of the parties and groups, and therefore capable of expressing the interests of the entire nation as a whole. Many presidents strive for this, but almost no one succeeds. And even if someone approximately succeeds, then at first it takes a lot of time, and then everything inevitably ends with the departure of a particular person. In a monarchy, this principle is institutionalized and operates regardless of the change of monarchs on the throne, their personal qualities and other subjective factors.

- What was your social circle like? Who are your friends - representatives of the ruling houses of Europe or "mere mortals"?

— Among my friends there are people belonging to different walks of life. I have never considered origin as a criterion for establishing friendships.

"Famous personalities should be prepared for the fact that their lives are of interest."

- How do others perceive you? Does your status mean anything to them? Are you being annoyed by gossip and paparazzi?

“Those who are close to me appreciate in me, first of all, a person. They respect and understand my status as the heir of the Romanov dynasty, but it does not dominate friendship or good business relations. I don't like publicity and try to keep it to a minimum. Publicity is needed only where it benefits. Famous personalities, of course, must be prepared for the fact that their life and work are of increased interest, and behave in such a way that they never find themselves in an awkward or shameful position. But this does not mean that they need to be turned into flies placed under a microscope. Everyone has the right to privacy, which is indecent and dishonorable for outsiders to invade. Journalists must have elementary ethical ideas and understand where the line of publicity lies.

- From the outside it seems that you lead an ordinary life young man his circle. But, probably, there are some obligations and restrictions that the position of the heir to the Russian Imperial House imposes on you. Which of them are a burden to you and which ones are a joy? Did it happen, maybe in childhood, that you envied the fate of your “simple”, not crowned peers?

- 90% of duties and restrictions are common to all people without exception. The rules of human hostel life, upbringing, behavior in a home, work, friendly environment, observance of traditions and rituals are approximately the same. And the king, and the president, and the janitor must greet and say "thank you", keep the knife in right hand, and the fork in the left, take off your hat at the entrance to the church and take off your shoes at the entrance to the mosque ...

Sometimes it seems to any person that there are too many restrictions. In fact, almost all restrictions can be expressed in one phrase from the New Testament: "So that they do not do to others what they do not want to do to themselves." It may seem strange to some, but of those duties that I have additionally as a Grand Duke, I consider the most tiring those that, in the opinion of many, are the most attractive in the "trade of the monarch." The performance of ceremonial functions, participation in receptions and celebrations is not at all such a pleasant and easy pastime as some people think. It is a hard and not always rewarding job. You do not belong to yourself, you must do this constantly, regardless of your well-being and mood. This is a very painful limitation of personal
freedom. For those who do not believe, I can only suggest trying to organize at least one such event. It is precisely not to come two or three times a year to drink a glass of champagne and chat with beautiful girls, but independently organize, be under the close attention of all those present, not offend anyone and create a holiday for everyone.

— In 1998, in Jerusalem, you took the Dynastic Oath of allegiance to the Fatherland and to your August Mother. Tell us how and where the ceremony took place, how you prepared for it, what you experienced.

— I prepared seriously for the Oath. This is not just a ceremonial moment, but a kind of initiation, entry into adulthood. The Lord judged in such a way that I was the first of the heirs of the Romanov dynasty to utter the words of my oath in the Holy Land, at the Holy Sepulcher. I took the oath in the Throne Room of the residence of the Jerusalem Patriarchate, in the presence of Patriarch Diodorus, the great hierarch of Ecumenical Orthodoxy. He was already very sick, but he found time to meet with us, witnessed my Oath and blessed me. This will forever remain in my soul.

"Participation in receptions and celebrations is a hard thankless job."

— You probably take part in family events of other ruling and royal families — Angel days, christenings, weddings, funerals. Are these purely formal events or are they based on sincere friendships?

“All European Dynasties are a big family. We are not only “colleagues”, but also relatives. Therefore, in our relations it is impossible to separate related, friendly and official aspects. They are always present together.

— With all the conventions, modern European monarchies are functioning institutions. Like any living organism, last years they have undergone changes in the order of succession to the throne, marriages, etc. The main vector is “simplification” (to put it mildly). Russian Dynastic Law is orthodox. Which order, in your opinion, is more consistent with the role of the monarchy in the modern world - conservation or development?

— Development has happened before, and should continue to happen. The law is not a guillotine, it should not turn against people. Each law appears in certain historical conditions. When conditions change, the law evolves. Most importantly, there must be a general respect for law and law. As long as the law is in effect, it must be respected and enforced. And the modification of the law should take place not in a voluntaristic way, but within the framework of a legal procedure. I believe that changes will also take place in Russian Dynastic Law. But they will not be copying Western models and following fashion, but will have the goal of preserving the Dynasty as a special historical institution that preserves the traditions of its people.

An Oxford graduate, the Heir is fluent in English.

— In 2008, the management of Norilsk Nickel offered you cooperation. Do you somehow explain to yourself - why to you?

— I always wanted my work to be more connected with Russia. Our friends at home knew about this, and when the conditions were right, they offered me a job at Norilsk Nickel. Since this company is not just private, but is of great public importance and is under the control of the state, I agreed.

— Tell us about your responsibilities at Norilsk Nickel. Did you know the specifics of this job, or did you have to master it from scratch?

— My work is mainly of a managerial and consulting nature. I already had some experience thanks to my work in European structures. The activities of Norilsk Nickel itself, its economic policy I needed to study, but it didn't take too long. As for the technological process of mining, I got acquainted with it in general terms when I visited Norilsk. It was necessary for me to go there, talk to engineers and workers, learn about their problems. I went down a kilometer underground into the mine, everything was shown and explained to me there. I admire the workers of Norilsk Nickel, who, under very difficult conditions, create the foundations of Russia's industrial might.

— One of the topics that you deal with in the company is its long-term dispute with Europe over the verdict of the commissioners on the dangers of nickel compounds. What is your position on this issue?

- The decision on the "harm of nickel", in my opinion, is a purely lobbying phenomenon. This is one of the forms of economic struggle aimed at ousting Russia from the international market. Here we are talking not only about the interests of the Norilsk Nickel company, but about the national interests of Russia. I consider this decision unreasonable. However, cancel decision is always much more difficult than preventing its adoption. Work in this area is ongoing.

Paris metro. June, 2013

— This year the Russian Imperial House is celebrating its 400th anniversary. How do you celebrate it in your family?

“We just remember that our family has served Russia for 700 years, and ruled the country for 300 of them. It would be strange to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the accession of our House in a family atmosphere.

I participate in the preparation of all major official public events. But my mother plays the main role in them, because she is the Head of the Imperial House. We always discuss together when and where to go, separately or together. While she takes part in the main celebrations, and I come to support individual projects.

- This year you turned 32 years old. By this age, your Crowned ancestors have already acquired spouses and heirs. You are single. Is the theme of marriage and childbearing as a dynastic duty, duty present in your life?

- Everything is the will of God. AT recent times the term for concluding marriages has shifted to a later age, not only for the heirs of the Royal Houses, but also for other people. The continuation of the family is very important, but it is impossible to fully ensure it without a normal family, without the love and mutual respect of the spouses. When I meet my chosen one, other issues will be resolved.

Sasha CANNONE

His Imperial Highness the Sovereign Heir Tsesarevich and Grand Duke Georgy Mikhailovich was born on March 13 AD. Art. 1981 in Madrid, on the eve of the 100th anniversary of the martyrdom of his great-great-great-grandfather Emperor Alexander II the Liberator (+ 1/14 March 1881), from the marriage of H.I.V. Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna with H.I.V. Grand Duke Mikhail Pavlovich. During the sacrament of the baptism of the Grand Duke, performed in front of the miraculous Kursk Icon of the Mother of God in Orthodox Church Madrid, King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia of Spain, Tsar Simeon II and Queen Margaret of Bulgaria were present, and King of the Hellenes Constantine II became the godfather.
with Godmother Sophia, Queen of Spain
The Tsarevich's early childhood was spent in Saint-Briac, and then he moved to Paris. Until 1999, the Heir, together with his August Mother, permanently resided in Madrid, where he graduated from college. From infancy, the Grand Duke was brought up in the spirit of the Orthodox Faith and in the consciousness of his royal duty to the Motherland. The heir to the Tsesarevich first visited Russia in April 1992, when the entire Imperial Family arrived at the funeral service for Sovereign Grand Duke Vladimir Kirillovich. Since then, he has visited the Fatherland many times, always showing a keen interest in all aspects of the life of the people. An indelible impression on the Grand Duke was made by the ancient Russian Orthodox churches, which, in his opinion, create a very special mood of prayer. Visits to military installations and meetings with soldiers and officers Russian Army and the Fleet also always arouse his joy and deep interest. with grandfather Prince Vladimir Kirillovich

The Tsesarevich goes in for sports and shoots accurately. In addition to Russian, in which he always passed his exams with honors, Grand Duke Georgy Mikhailovich is fluent in English, French and Spanish. He knows Orthodox worship well and takes part in it himself. On April 9, 1998, during the pilgrimage trip of the Imperial Family to the Holy Land, the Blessed Sovereign Heir, Tsesarevich and Grand Duke Georgy Mikhailovich, took the dynastic oath of allegiance to the Fatherland and his August mother, established by the Fundamental Laws of the Russian Empire. The ceremony took place in Jerusalem, in the Throne Room of the Patriarchal Residence, where the oath of the Heir to the All-Russian Throne was taken by the outstanding Hierarch of the Holy Church and the strict guardian of the purity of Orthodoxy, Patriarch Diodorus of Jerusalem, who blessed the Grand Duke to defend the Orthodox Faith, serve Russia and its people and inviolably protect the legal foundations of the Russian Imperial House . After graduating from Oxford, wanting to study the processes that determine the development of Europe, His Imperial Highness worked in the European Parliament, then moved to the position of Assistant Vice-President of the European Commission and Commissioner for Transport and Energy, Loyola de Palacio in Brussels. Then he continued to work at the European Commission, but already in Luxembourg, in the Department of Atomic Energy and Safety of Nuclear Production. Over the years, the Grand Duke visited the Fatherland several times on working visits, without drawing attention to himself. In 2006, the first independent official visit of the Tsesarevich to his homeland took place. On behalf of his mother, the Head of the Dynasty, Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna, her son fulfilled an honorable mission and, on behalf of the imperial house, congratulated His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia on the 45th anniversary of his episcopal consecration. At the same time, the meetings of the Grand Duke with the First Deputy Chairmen of the State Duma of the Russian Federation O. Morozov and L. Sliska, chairmen of the Duma committees and deputies took place. During his November visit to Russia in 2008, Tsesarevich Georgy Mikhailovich accepted the proposal of the management of OJSC MMC Norilsk Nickel and in December of the same year took up the post of Advisor to the General Director of Norilsk Nickel V.I. Strzhalkovsky. In his new position, His Imperial Highness represents the interests of this one of the largest Russian companies in the European Union. In addition, Grand Duke Georgy Mikhailovich, together with the First Deputy General Director of Norilsk Nickel O. Pivovarchuk and Deputy General Director V. Sprogis, joined the Board of the Nickel Institute. The activities of Tsesarevich, among other things, are aimed at implementing the program of the Norilsk Nickel company to challenge the decision of the European Commission on the classification of a number of nickel compounds as hazardous substances. “I have always wanted to use the knowledge and experience I have acquired for the benefit of the Motherland and gladly accepted the offer of the management of MMC Norilsk Nickel to take this responsible position. I hope to justify the trust placed in me and contribute in every possible way further development Company,” said His Imperial Highness.
Wedding of Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna and Grand Duke Mikhail Pavlovich, born Prince Franz Wilhelm of Prussia. Madrid. September 22, 1976 (parents of Tsarevich George) Royal Persons at the wedding: King of the Albanians Leka I, Tsar of the Bulgarians Simeon II, King of Italy Umberto II, Queen Sofia of Spain, King of Spain Juan Carlos I, Prince Kardam of Bulgaria, Prince Tarnovsky
Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna Head of the Russian Imperial House Her Imperial Highness Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna (b. December 23, 1953). Grand Duchess Leonida Georgievna Her Imperial Highness The Dowager Empress Grand Duchess Leonida Georgievna. Wife of the Sovereign Grand Duke Vladimir Kirillovich, nee Princess Bagration-Mukhranskaya-Georgian (b. September 23, 1914). with his daughter, Princess Maria Grand Duke Vladimir Kirillovich Head of the Russian Imperial House His Imperial Highness Grand Duke Vladimir Kirillovich (April 17/30, 1917-April 21, 1992). with his family, Grand Duke Georgy Mikhailovich ministers to the future His Eminence Metropolitan Laurus of Eastern America and New York. Updated on 16/09/09 13:03: In 1918, Grand Duke Mikhail Alexandrovich, the abdicated Emperor Nicholas II and Heir Tsesarevich Alexei Nikolaevich, i.e. all male offspring of Emperor Alexander III were executed by the verdict of the godless authorities. In accordance with Article 29, the right to the throne passed to the family of the second son of Emperor Alexander II - Grand Duke Vladimir Alexandrovich (1847-1908). His eldest son was Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich, who in 1922 announced his guardianship of the Throne (because he was not yet sure of the death of his predecessors), and on August 31, 1924, took the title of Emperor of All Russia in exile. This Act fully complied with the Basic Laws and was recognized by almost all members of the Romanov House, as well as foreign Royal Houses.