This is the second installment of a new monthly feature to my Nicholas II. Emperor. Tsar. Saint. blog, which showcases the vast collection of vintage newsreels which are now available to watch on YouTube and other online media sources. I have taken the liberty of selecting 5 interesting newsreels which depict Emperor Nicholas II and his family attending events in various cities throughout the Russian Empire.

Many of these newsreels include background music, with tunes of the Russian Empire or Orthodox music. Others are narrated in Russian, however, that should not deter the viewer from watching. You can turn on the English (or other language) subtitles by clicking on Google translate and then turn on the closed captioning [CC] button, found at the bottom of the newsreel. ENJOY!

No. 6 – Nicholas II attends the opening of the Alexander III Museum of Fine Art 1912

Emperor Nicholas II attends the opening of the Alexander III Museum of Fine Arts, later renamed the State Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, in Moscow. He is accompanied by his mother Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna, and his four daughters Grand Duchesses Olga, Tatiana, Maria and Anastasia. 13th June [O.S. 31st May] 1912.

Duration: 1 minute, 19 seconds with musical background

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No. 7 – Emperor Nicholas II in Crimea (Livadia, 1909)

Digitally remastered by the Russian State Film and Photo Archive (RGAKFD). This video features wonderful vintage footage of the old woodern palaces at Livadia. English captions.

Duration: 10 minutes, 348 seconds

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No. 8 – Nicholas II at the exhibition of Crimean Tatar handicrafts. Yalta

This colourized video depicts Emperor Nicholas II and his family at the exhibition of Crimean Tatar handicrafts, which was held in Yalta, Crimea on 30th September 1913. He is accompanied by his four daughters and retinue.

Duration: 1 minute, 5 seconds with musical background

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No. 9 – The Imperial Family in Nizhni Novgorod 1913

On 17th May 1913, Emperor Nicholas II and his family visited Nizhny Novgorod. It was just one of many visits to cities and towns across the Russian Empire marking the 300th anniversary of the Romanov Dynasty. This video has been colourized.

Duration: 1 minute, 25 seconds with musical background

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No. 10 – Emperor Nicholas II’s visit with Emperor Wilhelm II. 1913

In 1913, Nicholas II visited Germany and is greeted by the Kaiser. The two Emperors are shown riding in a horse drawn carriage, flanked by regiments on horseback, crowds cheer along the parade route. An outstanding chronicle of history.

Duration: 1 minute, 51 seconds with musical background

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Previous Posts Featuring Vintage Newsreels of Nicholas II

Nos. 1 – 5

© Paul Gilbert. 1 March 2026