PHOTO: Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich and Grand Duchess Victoria Feodorovna

On 8th October (O.S. 25th September) 1905, Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich of Russia (1876-1938) married his paternal first cousin Princess Victoria Melita of Edinburgh (1876-1936).

Princess Victoria Melita was raised in the Anglican faith but was later confirmed in the German Lutheran church by her mother. This means she was raised as a Protestant and later formally associated with the Lutheran branch of Protestantism. 

Despite Princess Victoria Melita’s faith, the secret and incestuous marriage [forbidden by the Russian Orthodox Church and the Civil Law of the Russian Empire] took place in the Russian Orthodox chapel at the home of Count Adlerberg in Tegernsee, Bavaria.

The bride had no intentions of accept the Orthodox faith at the conclusion of the marriage, which was required when a foreign princess married a Romanov grand duke. She did not convert to Orthodoxy until nearly two years later, on 30th (O.S 17th) January 1907.

Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich was fourth in line to the Russian throne, after Nicholas II, Tsesarevich Alexei Nikolaevich and the Tsar’s younger brother Grand Duke Mikhail Alexandrovich.

It was a simple ceremony, attended by Victoria’s mother [Grand Duchess Maria Alexandrovna], her sister Beatrice, Count Adlerburg, Herr Vinion, along with servants, which included a gentleman-in-waiting, two ladies-in-waiting, and Count Adlerburg’s housekeeper.

Emperor Alexander III’s younger brother and womanizer, Grand Duke Alexei Alexandrovich (1850-1908) attended the wedding, placing the wedding crown over Kirill’s head during the ceremony.

In a letter to her daughter Marie [Queen of Roumania], Grand Duchess Maria Alexandrovna, noted that Victoria “looked very handsome in a very becoming light grey dress and a yellow hat.  She was calmly beaming, very touching to see, very somber. Kirill was “calmly nervous” but also calmly pleased. He shows so little outward feeling, but one saw that he was emotional.”

Grand Duke Kirill noted in his memoirs [My Life on Russia’s Service, Then and Now] , that during the wedding feast, “there was a buzzard raging outside . . . ” Was this an omen?

The marriage shocked, not just the members of the Russian Imperial Family, but the Russian Empire. Further, it caused a scandal in the royal courts of of Great Britain and Europe. The bride, Princess Victoria was divorced from her first husband, Grand Duke Ernst Ludwig of Hesse. Not only was the Hessian grand duke Victoria’s first cousin, he was also Empress Alexandra Feodorovna’s brother.

The Empress already disliked her former sister-in-law and first cousin, and defended her brother from rumours about his alleged homosexual orientation, which were being “actively spread” by his wife. Alexandra was not alone in her opposition, her mother-in-law, Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna was also “appalled at the effrontery of Kirill’s marriage.”

The Emperor’s reaction to this forbidden marriage was immediate: he declared that he would not recognize the marriage, and that the children born in this union would receive the surname of the princes of Kirilovsky, with the title of Serene Highness.

Shortly after Kirill’s return to Russia [from Tegernsee, the Tsar stripped him of his imperial allowance of 100,000 rubles (paid annually) and title of Imperial Highness, his honours and decorations, as well as his position in the Russian Imperial Navy and then banished him from the Russian Empire.

PHOTO: Grand Duchess Maria Alexandrovna [daughter of Emperor Alexander II], later Duchess of Edinburgh and Duchess of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, with her daughter Princess Victoria Melita (right) and her son-in-law Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich.

Kirill’s marriage to Victoria was in open defiance of the Russian Orthodox Church, which ruled that marriage between first cousins were forbidden. Kirill knew that the Tsar’s younger brother Grand Duke Mikhail Alexandrovich had been forbidden to marry his first cousin, Princess Beatrice of Edinburgh and Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, but defied both the Church and the Emperor nevertheless.

It should also be noted, that being the daughter of a British prince [her father was Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh (1844-1900)], Princess Victoria was a member of the British Royal Family, and thus required the formal approval of Britain’s King Edward VII to marry Kirill, as required by the Royal Marriages Act of 1772. Victoria openly defied the British King.

In addition, the couple defied the the Civil Law of the Russian Empire, which forbid such a marriage. The couple: both Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich and Princess Victoria Melita were both, completely lacking in morals!

Victoria’s mother, Grand Duchess Maria Alexandrovna [daughter of Emperor Alexander II of Russia] later wrote to Empress Alexandra Feodorovna, that she felt “responsible for having arranged the marriage of Ducky and Kirill,” a decision she regretted.

In 1908, after the death of Grand Duke Alexei Alexandrovich and Victoria’s conversion to Orthodoxy the year prior, Nicholas II restored Kirill to his rank of captain in the Imperial Russian Navy and his position as aide de camp to the Emperor. He was given the title Grand Duke of Russia and from then on his wife was styled as Her Imperial Highness Grand Duchess Victoria Feodorovna. 

Grand Duchess Victoria Feodorovna died on 2nd March 1936; Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich died on 12th October 1938.

The couple defied both Emperor Nicholas II, King Edward VII of Great Britain, as well as the Russian Orthodox Church and the Civil Law of the Russian Empire . The couple’s great-granddaughter Maria Vladimirovna, believes that she is “Empress de jure of Russia,” which she most certainly is NOT!!

While this author seldom criticize Nicholas II, it is regrettable that he did not stand firm on upholding the the Pauline Laws, which forbid morganatic marriages by members of the Imperial Family, without the consent of the reigning Emperor. During Nicholas II’s reign, three grand dukes openly defied their Emperor by entering into morganatic marriages: Grand Duke Paul Alexandrovich in 1902, his cousin Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich in 1905 and his brother Grand Duke Mikhail Alexandrovich in 1912.

Had he done so, these three grand dukes would have rightfully, been stripped of their imperial allowance of 100,000 rubles, paid annually from the State budget, their title of Imperial Highness, their honours and decorations, and their permanent banishment from the Russian Empire.

© Paul Gilbert. 8 October 2025

PHOTO: Prince George mikhailovich and his mother Princess Maria Vladimirovna

Of the more than 40,000 pilgrims, clergy and believers who came to Ekaterinburg from all over Russia and abroad, not a single descendant of the Romanov dynasty attended this year’s Tsar’s Days events. On the night of 16/17 July, an outdoor Divine Liturgy is performed at the Church on the Blood, marking the death and martyrdom of Emperor Nicholas II and his family.

Notably absent (again) this year, were Princess Maria “Masha” Vladimirovna and her son Prince George “Gosha” Mikhailovich (Hohenzollern), the self-proclaimed “heads” of the “Russian Imperial House”. It is interesting to note, that up until her death in 2020, Olga Kulikovsky-Romanova, the widow of Tikhon Kulikovsky- Romanov, was the ONLY Romanov family member who attended the event on a regular basis.

One would simply assume, that if any one among the Romanov descendants who should be in the Ural capital to honour Russia’s last Tsar and his family, it should be the “Head” of the Russian Imperial Family, surely?! Not so.

Let us not forget that it was Masha’s great-grandmother Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna, who was openly hostile towards both the last Emperor and Empress. In addition, Masha’s grandfather and Gosha’s great-grandfather Grand Duke Kirill was a traitor to Russia’s last Tsar.

According to Alexander Zakatov, who serves as Masha’s senior mouth piece and head of her “chancellery” in Moscow, the allegations against Kirill were all part of a smear campaign, while others shamefully and falsely put the blame on the Empress Alexandra Feodorovna. Poor Alix, she has been blamed for so many of the trials and tribulations which befell Nicholas, the monarchy and downfall of the Russian Empire.

Why is it relevant for a Romanov family member to attend?

Masha styles herself as the Head of the Russian Imperial House, a “grand duchess” and “only” legitimate claimant to the now, non-existent Russian throne. She is none of the above! Likewise, her son, George “Gosha” is the self-styled “Heir Tsesarevich”, he “heir” to nothing!

The Russian Imperial House ended with the murder of Emperor Nicholas II on 17th July 1918. While some members escaped Bolshevik Russia, the House and it’s legal status as such during the Russian Empire ceased to exist. The titles of “Your Imperial Highness Grand Duke” and “Grand Duchess of Russia” were no longer acknowledged among in Europe, and most certainly in the Soviet Union. Their titles no longer opened doors for them, and invitations to royal events in Europe were seldom extended.

Maria “Masha” Vladimirovna is not a Grand Duchess, she is a Princess [and even this title is questioned among some historians]. The last Grand Duchess of Russia was Nicholas II’s youngest sister, Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna, who died on 24th November 1960.

Should the monarchy ever be restored in Russia, Masha has no rights, whatsoever, to the throne. Her supporters [mostly a group of American social media zealots] style her as “Empress de Jure”. They hold a make believe Court, addressing her as “Your Imperial Highness”, kiss her hand, bow and curtsey, like she is some “golden cow” – no pun intended!

Western sanctions and the war in Ukraine cannot be used as excuses by either Masha or Gosha’s for not attending Tsar’s Days in Ekaterinburg. While travelling to Russia is indeed difficult since the sanctions were imposed, it is not impossible. While most foreign airlines have ceased flying into Russia, it is still possible to reach St. Petersburg, Moscow and even Ekaterinburg from Europe via 3 foreign carriers.

It is interesting to note that Princess Maria Vladimirova recently arrived in Moscow in early July 2025, to attend the baptism of her granddaughter Kira. This, by the way, is Masha’s third or fourth visit to Russia since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war.

Gosha who resides in Moscow, is the only Romanov descendant currently living in Russia, so one can only speculate his absence this year?

On 1st October 2021, Gosha married Rebecca Bettarini, the daughter of an Italian diplomat. She converted to Russian Orthodoxy, and Masha decreed the title of “Princess” on Bettarini, with the predicate “Her Serene Highness” and the right to use the surname Romanov.

It is important to emphasize, that Maria Vladimirovna never had, nor does she have any authority to hand out titles or awards as she is not and never has been a ruling monarch. Despite this, Maria actively, distributes orders, medals and even titles of the Russian Empire. While many orders and awards of the Russian Empire have been officially restored in the modern Russian Federation, Masha is an ordinary civilian, and not a representative of the state, therefore, has no right to distribute the same order in appearance and name to her supporters on behalf of the “Imperial House”.

Gosha and Rebecca have two children: Alexander and Kira. As this was a morganatic marriage, should the monarchy be restored in Russia, neither Gosha or his children would have any rights of succession.

Masha and Gosha do not recognize the Ekaterinburg Remains

To this day, despite an investigation which has lasted more than a century, Masha and Gosha, still DO NOT recognize the Ekaterinburg Remains as those of Emperor Nicholas II and his family; nor did either one of them attended the Tsar’s interment in St Petersburg on 17th July 1998.

In addition, neither Masha nor Gosha, have visited the Romanov Memorial at Porosenkov Log, situated on the Old Koptyaki Road near Ekaterinburg. Recall that it was here, where the remains of Emperor Nicholas II and his family were discovered in two separate graves in 1991 and 2007 respectively.

So, why does Maria Vladimirovna refuse to acknowledge the authenticity of the Ekaterinburg Remains? “We neither affirm nor deny the authenticity of the remains but are waiting for the Church’s Council to determine. Once this has been done, the Imperial House will welcome it with joy,” says Zakatov.

It appears that Maria Vladimirovna cannot think for herself on this issue. She would never dare speak out against either the Church or Putin. If she challenged or criticized the former, she would no doubt face the wrath of the Church. Likewise, if she challenged or criticized the latter, she would most likely be made persona non grata in Russia.

PHOTO: Masha warmly greeting Russian president Vladimir Putin

Friends in the Kremlin

For some people, Masha and Gosha’s support of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, continues to be a major bone of contention. As previously noted, Masha arrived in Moscow in early July, her third or fourth visit to Russia since the outbreak of the war.

Recall that in 2014, Masha “awarded” the Imperial Order of St. Anastasia to State Duma deputy Natalya Poklonskaya, for her efforts in the reunification of Crimea with Russia.

On 30th November 2017, Poklonskaya returned the Order and nobility title, because Maria Vladimirovna refused to support Poklonskaya’s efforts on outlawing the controversial film Matilda for its allegedly blasphemous portrayal of the affair between Nicholas II and the ballerina Matilda Kshesinskaya.

Both Masha and Gosha continue to “maintain good relations with Vladimir Putin”. In recent years, however, her supporters have tried to distance Masha from Putin. A series of photos taken some years back, paint another story. They depict the two meeting in Moscow, warmly greeting one another like old friends.

© Paul Gilbert. 22 July 2025

Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich and Grand Duchess Victoria Feodorovna. 1930.

Today – 7th March 2025 – marks the 30th anniversary of the return of the remains of *Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich (1876-1938) and his wife *Grand Duchess Victoria Feodorovna (1876-1936) to Russia.

• It is interesting to note that to this day, the Legitimists [formerly Kirillists] address Kirill as “Emperor Kirill I” and Victoria as “Empress” with the titles “Imperial Majesty”, all of which are complete nonsense! The Russian monarchy, the Empire and the Russian Imperial Family ceased to exist upon the death of Emperor Nicholas II on 17th July 1918.

On 7th March 1995, the dying will of the traitor grand duke in exile – Kirill Vladimirovich and his wife Grand Duchess Victoria Feodorovna was fulfilled. Their remains, were exhumed from Coburg, Germany and transferred to St. Petersburg, where they were reinterred in the Grand Ducal Mausoleum of the Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral in the Peter and Paul Fortress.

PHOTO: The Ducal Mausoleum, the burial place of members of the House of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha on the grounds of Glockenberg Cemetery in Coburg.

On 3rd March 1995, at 11:30 a.m., in the Tomb of the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, in the presence of Princess Leonida Georgievna (1914-2010), the tombs of Kirill and Victoria were opened. After the removal of the tombstones, a niche with both coffins opened. Their outer plating had fallen into extreme disrepair and fell apart when touched. During the dismantling, metal crosses with lids and plates were found (one with the name, title and dates of the life of Victoria Feodorovna, and the other with the monogram of Kirill Vladimirovich). Then the inner coffins, in which the bodies rested, were brought to the surface. The remains of Victoria Feodorovna were the first to be examined. Her skeletonized remains were preserved in the same position in which the deceased had been laid in the coffin.

PHOTO: The coffins of Grand Duke Kirill I Vladimirovich and Grand Duchess Victoria Feodorovna before being transferred from Coburg to St. Petersburg.

After the transfer of the remains of Victoria Feodorovna to a new coffin, the exhumation of the body of her husband took place. The coffin of Kirill Vladimirovich had a glass window through which it was possible to see the face of the deceased. Looking through this window in 1995, those present at the exhumation were shocked: the decayed face of the grand duke was revealed. Its features had not changed much 57 years after his funeral in 1938.

PHOTO: a rather morbid photo depicting the decayed body of Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich in his coffin, taken in the Tomb of the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha during the exhumation, 3rd March 1995.

When the remains of Kirill and Victoria were placed in new coffins, Archbishop Feofan (Galinsky) of Berlin and Germany served a pannikhida [a liturgical solemn service for the repose of the deceased]. Finally, the lids are closed, the coffins are sealed and covered with national flags. After a heartfelt farewell to Vladyka Feofan, Princess Leonida Georgievna departed Coburg to escort the coffins to Russia on the ship Anna Karenina.

PHOTO: view of the Grand Ducal Mausoleum of the SS Peter and Paul Cathedral in the Peter and Paul Fortress, St. Petersburg, where Kirill and Victoria’s remains were reinterred in March 1995.

On 6th March, the first day of Great Lent, the Spanish-born Princess Maria Vladimirovna, arrived in St. Petersburg by plane with her son, Prince George Mikhailovich-Hohenzollern. The next day, early in the morning, the Anna Karenina arrived. From the port, the cortege proceeded to the Peter and Paul Fortress, where the coffins were carried into the Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral.

The burial ceremony was scheduled for 12-00. After the arrival of the Leonida, Maria and George, the clergy, Mayor of St. Petersburg Anatoly Sobchak (1937-2000) and representatives of the administration of St. Petersburg, a pannikhida was held, which was served by Bishop Lev (Tserpitsky) of Novgorod Bishop Simon (Getya) of Tikhvin. At the end of the pannikhida, the coffins were lowered into pre-prepared niches with military honours.

PHOTO: Princess Maria Vladimirovna pays her last respects to her grandfather and grandmother, Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich and Grand Duchess Victoria Feodorovna. The Grand Ducal Tomb of the Peter and Paul Cathedral, St. Petersburg, 7th March 1995.

Temporary slabs were installed on the graves (later they were replaced by permanent marble ones) and wreaths were laid. The traitor Grand Duke and his wife found eternal repose next to their son Prince Vladimir Kirillovich (1917-1992).

It was Kirill’s daughter-in-law Princess Leonida, who arranged for Kirill and Victoria’s reinterment in St. Petersburg. It was only due to her vast wealth, left to her by her first husband Sumner Moore Kirby. (1895-1945), a wealthy American businessman, and one of the heirs to the F.W. Woolworth fortune. The cost of new coffins, transport to Russia, two tombs with marble slabs must have been staggering!

Given Kirill’s lack of a moral compass and his act of treason against his Sovereign in March 1917, it is this author’s belief that Kirill and Victoria’s remains should have never left in Coburg – PG

***

Under no pretext can we admit to the throne those whose ancestors belonged to parties involved in the 1917 revolution in one way or another. Nor can we admit those whose ancestors, who betrayed Tsar Nicholas II. Nor can we ignore those whose ancestors who openly supported the Nazis. Thus, without any reservations, the right to the succession to the throne of the Kirillovich branch should be excluded!

Any person who supports this branch of the Romanov dynasty, dishonours the memory of the murdered Holy Tsar Martyr Nicholas II.

© Paul Gilbert. 7 March 2025

PHOTO: Maria Romanova during a ceremony of cancelling postcards,
held in the Russian Academy of Arts, St. Petersburg on 7th December

NOTE: text highlighted in red below, are links to other articles – PG

It is wonderful to celebrate and honour one’s ancestors, however, when a person memorializes a man, who betrayed Russia’s last Tsar, and even supported his arrest, is surely reason enough to ask “WHY?!”.

Such is the case with the Spanish-born Maria “Masha” Romanova[1], whom the so-called “Legitimists” [formerly known as Kirillists] blindly worship as “Empress de Jure” of Russia, and her son George “Gosha” Hohenzollern, whom they refer to as “Tsesarevich” and “Heir” to the Russian throne. For the record, “IF” the monarchy were ever restored in Russia, neither one of them have any rightful claim to the throne.

On 7th December 2024, Masha took part in a ceremony of canceling postcards[2], with Russian postage stamps, which took place at the Russian Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg. The event marked the 100th anniversary of her traitor grandfather Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich awarding himself the title of “Emperor in Exile”. Up until his death in 1938, Kirill created a make-believe kingdom from which he reigned over the Russian diaspora in Europe. Both he and his wife “Ducky” – and later their son Vladimir – supported Adolf Hitler and the Nazis.

Masha is once again visiting Russia (her third or fourth visit since the outbreak of hostilities between Russia and Ukraine), on yet another of her attention seeking tours. Her appearances garnered little interest by either the Russian media or the public.

PHOTO: postcard depicting Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich

The ceremony was prepared by the Cavalier Duma of the Imperial Order of St. Vladimir, Equal-to-the-Apostles. The ceremony was attended by Director of the Russian Academy of Arts Alexei Yuryevich Mudrov. Following the cancellation ceremony, Mr. Mudrov presented Masha with a medal marking the 180th anniversary of the birth of the famous Russian artist Ilya Efimovich Repin (1844-1930). In the afternoon, a ceremonial dinner was given in Maria’s honour by the Chevalier Duma of the Imperial Order of St. Vladimir, Equal-to-the-Apostles.

***

PHOTO: George Hohenzollern posing with a bust of his traitor great-grandfather Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich in the the Smolensk Zosimova Pustyn Monastery

 On 14th March 2023, a new bust of Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich was unveiled at the Alexandrovsky district of the Vladimir region, in the presence of the grand dukes great-grandson George Hohenzollern. A prayer service and blessing of the bust, was performed by Hieromonk Nikon (Belyavenets), Abbot of the Smolensk Zosimova Pustyn Monastery.

Given Kirill’s lack of a moral compass, perhaps an exorcism should have been performed?

The bust was then transferred to St. Petersburg, where it was installed in the Vladimir Palace, situated on the on the Palace Embankment, opposite the Peter and Paul Fortress. Since the revolution, the former residence of Grand Duke Vladimir Alexandrovich (1847-1909) and Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna (1854-1920), has housed the prestigious House of Scientists.

Under no pretext can we admit to the throne those whose ancestors belonged to parties involved in the 1917 revolution in one way or another. Nor can we admit those whose ancestors, who betrayed Tsar Nicholas II. Nor can we ignore those whose ancestors openly supported the Nazis. Thus, without any reservations, the right to the succession to the throne of the Kirillovich branch should be excluded!

Any person who supports this branch of the Romanov dynasty, dishonours the memory of the murdered Holy Tsar Martyr Nicholas II.

NOTES:

[1] Maria is not and never has been a ruling monarch, and never had or has any authority to hand out titles or awards. Despite this, she actively, and completely illegally distributes orders, medals and even titles of the Russian Empire. While many orders and awards of the Russian Empire have been officially restored in the post-Soviet Russian Federation, an ordinary civilian. i.e. Maria Romanova, and not a representative of the state, distributes the same order in appearance and name to her supporters on behalf of the “Russian Imperial House“.

[2] The ceremony of canceling postcards involves addressing the envelope to the “Postmaster” with the full name and address of the post office that offers the cancel. The cancelled envelope or cover is then received by return mail1. Pictorial cancels are available from respective post offices across Canada2. Some of the best copies of duplex cancels appear on post cards3. Cancels are used to prevent the reuse of stamps.

© Paul Gilbert. 12 December 2024

***

COMING AUTUMN 2025 . . .

Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich is the subject of my forthcoming book ‘Kirill: Traitor to the Tsar!‘, the first comprehensive study to examine the relationship between Grand Duke Kirill and his first cousin Tsar Nicholas II. My research for this book is based primarily on documents and letters retrieved from Russian archival and media sources, many of which will be new to the English reader.

My book is scheduled for publication in late 2025. Watch for my ads in both Majesty and Russian Life magazines!

PHOTO: Prince George Mikhailovich and his wife pose in front of the cruiser Aurora, in St. Petersburg

On 7th November 2023 – the day marking the anniversary of the October 1917 Revolution – Prince George “Gosha” Mikhailovich and his wife, arrived in St. Petersburg, where the couple stopped for a photo-op in front of the cruiser ‘Aurora‘, the main symbol of the Bolshevik Revolution.

What were they thinking?

As Russia’s most legendary warship, the Aurora is primarily associated with the October 1917 Revolution. On 7th November (25 October, O.S.) 1917, the warship fired a blank shot, which was a signal for revolutionary soldiers and sailors to launch an assault onn the Winter Palace in Petrograd, where the Provisional Government had its headquarters.

The Aurora has since been celebrated as one of the main Soviet symbols, and continues to attract modern-day Communists, while serving as a watering hole for their rallies and other events.

For any descendant of the Romanov dynasty to pose for a photo in front of this symbol of the Bolshevik Revolution, is in bad taste, they might as well visit Lenin’s mausoleum in Moscow, as well!

Any symbol of Lenin and the Bolsheviks belittles the loss of the Russian Empire, the monarchy, the murder of the Imperial Family, the destruction of churches and monasteries, the persecution, imprisonment and murder of thousands of priests, monks and nuns, etc., must be condemned at all costs. The very fact that this couple chose November 7th – the date marking the anniversary of the Bolshevik Revolution, is even more insulting!

Given the number of beautiful palaces and other buildings with a connection to Tsarist Russia found in and around St. Petersburg, which reflect the former capital of the Russian Empire, one can only ask oneself: “What were they thinking?”

Gosha is heir to nothing!

Prince George “Gosha” Mikhailovich was born in Madrid, Spain on 13th March 1981, he is the only child of Princess Maria Vladimirovna and Prince Franz Wilhelm of Prussia. He is the great-grandson of one of the most despised members of the Russian Imperial Family: Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich (1876-1938) .

George spent the first years of his life in France before moving to Spain. There he and his mother lived, along with his maternal grandmother Princess Leonida Georgievna Bagration-Mukhrani (1914-2010), in the home of his maternal aunt, Helen Kirby, living off the wealth of the latter, who inherited a significant fortune from her father, Sumner Moore Kirby. (1895-1945), who was also Leonida’s first husband.

Upon his birth, Gosha was awarded the title of “Grand Duke” by his grandfather Prince Vladimir Kirillovich (1917-1992). It is important to emphasize, that Prince Vladimir Kirillovich never had any authority to hand out titles or awards, as he was not a ruling monarch. Despite this, Vladimir actively, and completely illegally distributed orders, medals and even titles of the Russian Empire, which no longer existed.

The announcement that George Mikhailovich would be known as a Russian Grand Duke prompted Prince Vasili Alexandrovich (1907-1989), then president of the Romanov Family Association, to respond in writing that “The Romanov Family Association hereby declares that the joyful event in the Prussian Royal House does not concern the Romanov Family Association since the newborn prince is not a member of either the Russian Imperial House or of the Romanov family”

As the son of a cadet member of the branch of the House of Hohenzollern which formerly ruled the German Empire and Kingdom of Prussia, Gosha is legitimately a German prince, and has much more rights to the German throne than that of Russia. His father, who stopped using his Russian title after his separation, has said of his son, “I have his German passport right here; I always carry it with me. It says he is Prince George of Prussia”.

Today, Gosha continues to style himself as a “Grand Duke,” however, this is incorrect. The last grand duke of Russia was Grand Duke Andrei Vladimirovich, who died on 30th October 1956, in Paris, France. His mother attributes to him the title of Tsesarevich: heir apparent or presumptive in the Russian Empire, a title which no longer exists. 

In 2013, Gosha established the Russian Imperial Foundation, whose director he later married. In 2019, George moved to Moscow, where he is a successful and wealthy businessman. He is currently the only Romanov descendant currently living in Russia.

***

Under no pretext can we admit to the throne those whose ancestors belonged to parties involved in the 1917 revolution in one way or another. Nor can we admit those whose ancestors, who betrayed Tsar Nicholas II. Nor can we ignore those whose ancestors openly supported the Nazis. Thus, without any reservations, the right to the succession to the throne of the Kirillovich branch should be excluded!

Any person who supports this branch of the Romanov dynasty, dishonours the memory of the murdered Holy Tsar Martyr Nicholas II.

© Paul Gilbert. 13 November 2023

PHOTO: obituary notice on the death of Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich (1876-1938)

October 12th marks both the birth (1876) and death (1938) of one of the most despised members of the Russian Imperial Family: Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich.

Kirill was born on 12th October [O.S. 30th September] 1876, at the Vladimir Villa, the country residence of his parents at Tsarskoye Selo. He was the second of five children born to Grand Duke Vladimir Alexandrovich (1847-1909) and his wife Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna (1854-1920), born Duchess Marie of Mecklenburg-Schwerin.

Kirill was a grandson of Emperor Alexander II (1818-1881) and a first cousin of Emperor Nicholas II. He was also the uncle of Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark (1906-1968) and great-uncle of Prince Michael of Kent (born 1942).

In the service of the Fatherland

After graduating from the Sea Cadet Corps and Nikolaev Naval Academy, in January 1904, Kirill was promoted to Chief of Staff to the Pacific Fleet in the Imperial Russian Navy. With the start of the Russo-Japanese War, he was assigned to serve as First Officer on the battleship Petropavlovsk, but the ship was blown up by a Japanese mine at Port Arthur in April 1904. Kirill barely escaped with his life, and was invalided out of the service suffering from burns, back injuries and shell shock.

From 1909–1912, Kirill served on the cruiser Oleg and was its captain in 1912. In 1913, he joined the Maritime Division of the Imperial Guard and was made Commander of the Naval Guards in 1915. He achieved the rank of rear admiral in the Imperial Navy in 1916, a position which he later abandoned.

PHOTO: Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich and Grand Duchess Victoria Feodorovna

An unholy alliance

During the festivities marking the Coronation of Emperor Nicholas II, held in Moscow in May 1896, Kirill fell in love with his paternal first cousin, Princess Victoria Melita of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (1876-1936). They flirted with each other at the balls and celebrations, but Victoria Melita was already married to Ernest Louis, Grand Duke of Hesse (1868-1937), the only brother of Empress Alexandra Feodorovna.

Victoria’s father was Alfred, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (1844-1900), the second eldest son of Queen Victoria. Victoria’s mother was Grand Duchess Maria Alexandrovna (1853-1920), a daughter of Emperor Alexander II and Kirill’s paternal aunt. Victoria Melita scandalized the royal families of Europe when she divorced her husband in 1901.

On 8th October 1905, Kirill entered into an incestuous marriage [forbidden by the Russian Orthodox Church] with the divorced Victoria Melita. The marriage caused a scandal within the Russian Imperial Family, as well as in the Royal Courts of Europe and Great Britain.

The couple wed without the formal approval of Britain’s King Edward VII (as the Royal Marriages Act 1772 would have required), and in defiance of Emperor Nicholas II by not obtaining his consent. Grand Duchess Maria Alexandrovna wrote that she felt “responsible for having arranged the marriage of Ducky and Kirill,” a decision she regretted.

Nicholas II punished Kirill, by stripping him of his offices and honours, also initially banishing the couple from Russia. Together with their two daughters, the family settled in Paris before they were allowed to visit Russia. In 1910, they returned to Russia, whereupon the Emperor recognized Victoria Melita as Grand Duchess Victoria Feodorovna.

Despite the family reconciliation, the strained relationship which had already existed for many years between Nicholas and Alexandra with Kirill and Victoria, would remain strained and even hostile.

Revolution and betrayal

Even before Emperor Nicholas II’s abdication, Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich was one of the first Russian officers to commit an act of betrayal to his oath of loyalty to the Sovereign and to his dynastic duty.

While commanding the Marine of the Guard, which was responsible for guarding the Empress Alexandra and her children at Tsarskoye Selo, Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich with his tsarist monogram on his epaulettes and a red ribbon on his shoulders, under which the Marine of the Guard followed their commander, appeared on 1st March, at the State Duma, where he reported to Duma Chairman M.V. Rodzianko. “I have the honour of appearing before Your Excellency, I am at your disposal, as is the entire nation. I wish Russia only good.” Then he stated that the Marine of the Guard was at the complete disposal of the State Duma. Kirill then authorized the flying of a red flag over his palace on Glinka Street in Petrograd.

Prior to that, the Grand Duke sent notes to the chiefs of the military units at Tsarskoye Selo, with a proposal “to join the new government”, following his own example.

In June 1917, Grand Duke Kirill was the first Romanov to flee Russia, along with his pregnant wife and their two children. Not only was his desertion “illegal”, Kirill, who was serving as a rear admiral in active military service in a country at war, had thus abandoned his honour and dignity. It is interesting to add, that the Kirillovich were the only branch of the Imperial Family who managed to escape the Bolsheviks, without losing any family members.

In exile, on 8th August 8, 1922, Kirill declared himself “guardian of the Russian throne”. On 13th September 1924, he proclaimed himself “Emperor of All Russia” to the now non-existent Russian throne under the name of “Kirill I”. He became known as the “Soviet Tsar” because in the event of a restoration of the monarchy, he intended to keep some of the features of the Soviet regime.

In addition, is Kirill’s shameful infidelity—an affair which involved his behaviour or relationship far more sensational and unorthodox than a simple casual affair with another woman—a possible homosexual liaison perhaps?

Not only was Grand Duke Kirill a coward, he was clearly a man who lacked a moral compass and a traitor to his Sovereign and to Russia. His acts of treason and desertion, and later his support of Adolf Hitler and the Nazis during his years in exile, thus deprived his descendants any rights to the Russian throne.

PHOTO: the tomb of Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich, in the Grand Ducal Mausoleum of the Peter and Paul Fortress in St. Petersburg

Legacy

Grand Duke Kirill was initially buried at the ducal mausoleum at Friedhof am Glockenberg, Coburg.  Following the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, the remains of Kirill and Victoria were transferred from Coburg to the Grand Ducal Mausoleum of the Peter and Paul Fortress in St. Petersburg on 7 March 1995 after negotiations and great expense, thanks to the efforts of his Spanish-born granddaughter Princess Maria Vladimirovna.

85 years after his death, Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich remains one of the most despised members of the Russian Imperial Family. While some believe that he was a beacon for a restoration of the monarchy in Russia, his record of treason simply cannot be overlooked or swept under the rug, by those who work so diligently to whitewash his legacy.

During the 1920s until his death in 1938, his only adherants, were known as the Kirillists. Today, they are known as Legitimists – a small group of zealots – most of whom are American, and have no say whatsoever in the monarchist debate in modern day Russia. They work tirelessly to keep Kirill from falling from the pedestal, which this insignificant group of nutters has placed him on.

Despite what the Legitimists claim on their blog and social media, neither Kirill, nor his descendants Maria Vladimirovna and her pompous arrogant son George Mikhailovich, are very popular in post-Soviet Russia. Most Russians – including monarchists – dismiss their claims as “pretenders” to the non-existent Russian throne. Their activities in Russia attract a lot of media attention, in particular the wedding of George Mikhailovich to Rebecca Bettarini in St. Petersburg on 1st October 2021.

Under no pretext can we admit to the throne those whose ancestors belonged to parties involved in the 1917 revolution in one way or another. Nor can we admit those whose ancestors betrayed Tsar Nicholas II. Nor can we ignore those who ancestors openly supported the Nazis. Thus, without any reservations, the right to the succession to the throne of the Kirillovich branch should be excluded!

Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich is the subject of my forthcoming book ‘Kirill: Traitor to the Tsar!‘, the first comprehensive study to examine the relationship between Grand Duke Kirill and his first cousin Tsar Nicholas II. It is based primarily on documents and letters retrieved from Russian archival and media sources, many of which will be new to the English reader.

My book is scheduled for publication in late 2025. Watch for my ads in both Majesty and Russian Life magazines!

© Paul Gilbert. 12 October 2023

PHOTO: Princess Maria “Masha” Vladimirovna

Since February 2020, I have written more than 20 full-length articles on the Kirillovich branch of the Romanov dynasty. These articles have proven to be of great interest to many readers of this blog. In fact, during the past year, these articles have proved the most popular and widely read, some generating thousands of hits.

Some people are not going to like the following article, however, I am merely reporting the news . . .

Last week, Princess Maria “Masha” Vladimirovna[1] arrived in Moscow from her home in Madrid, her first visit to Russia since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February. The main purpose of her visit was the baptism of her grandson Alexander Georgievich Romanov, the son of Prince George “Gosha” Mikhailovich[2] and Princess Victoria Romanovna[3]. 

The baptism ceremony was held at the Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Moscow on 6th December. The event was attended by Gosha’s father and Masha’s ex-husband Prince Franz Wilhelm of Prussia, as well as Rebecca’s parents Roberto Amedeo Simeone Bettarini and wife Carla Virginia Cacciatore.

While most will think of this as nothing more than a happy family event, Maria’s visit to Russia is sure to raise eyebrows, particularly among those who support her, but are vehemently opposed to Russia’s invasion of neighbouring Ukraine.

Just last week, I posted some beautiful photographs of the ‘Ural Express’, a luxurious new retro-train, which began service from Ekaterinburg. One Australian chap added the following comment: “visiting Russia at this time is morally wrong!” It is interesting to note that this man supports Maria’s claim to the non-existent Russian throne, recognizing her as the “legitimate Head” of the Russian Imperial House, which ceased to exist on 17th July 1918. I wonder how our friend in Sydney will react to Maria’s visit to Russia?

PHOTO: Masha at the baptism of her grandson in Moscow on 6th December 2022. From left to right: Carla Virginia Cacciatore, Roberto Amedeo Simeone Bettarini, Princess Victoria Romanovna, Alexander Georgievich Romanov, Prince George “Gosha” Mikhailovich, Princess Maria Vladimirovna and Prince Franz Wilhelm of Prussia

Masha and Gosha on annexation of Crimea and war in Ukraine

It is no secret that both Maria and her son supported Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014.

It was in 2014, the self-proclaimed “Head” of the non-existent Russian Imperial House Princess Maria Vladimirovna[4] illegally awarded the Imperial Order of St. Anastasia to the Russian politician and State Duma deputy Natalya Poklonskaya, for her efforts in the reunification of Crimea with Russia.

On 30th November 2017, Poklonskaya returned the Order and nobility title, because Maria Vladimirovna refused to support Poklonskaya’s efforts on outlawing the controversial film Matilda for its allegedly blasphemous portrayal of the affair between Nicholas II and the ballerina Matilda Kshesinskaya.

In June 2018, Masha and Gosha drove a Russian made Lada across the newly opened Crimean Bridge, which links the Russian Federation with the Crimean Peninsula.

In June/July of this year, Gosha weighed in on the Russia/Ukraine situation. He was quoted on Russian social media [Вера и Верность], stopping short of condoning Putin’s “special operation”:

“Ukraine for me has been and remains a part of the Fatherland [Russia] in the highest sense of the word.” 15th July 2022

“Unfortunately, Western partners have chosen the path of an ultimatum against Russia, which, as we see, does not entail a solution to the Ukrainian issue, but, on the contrary, aggravates not only it, but, as a result, other world problems,” 27th June 2022.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February, Masha and Gosha have both issued veiled pleas for peace, however, neither of them have come out and condemned Putin for a war which has resulted in the deaths of thousands of Russians and Ukranians. Needless to say, both Masha and Gosha are persona non grata in Ukraine, a country they both claim to hold close to their hearts.

PHOTO: Gosha and Masha visiting Crimea in June 2018

The “Russian Imperial House maintained good relations with Vladimir Putin”

Masha and Gosha don’t dare criticize Russian President Vladimir Putin. Why? Because according to Russell Martin, a prominent American mouthpiece for Maria Vladimirovna, the “Russian Imperial House [Masha and Gosha] maintain good relations with Vladimir Putin”. Martin acts as both translator and International Communications Advisor to the so-called “Chancellery of Her Imperial Highness”.

In my review of Gosha and Rebecca’s nuptial’s in October 2021, I noted that while Russian President Vladimir Putin, who had been invited to the wedding of George Mikhailovich to Victoria Bettarini in St. Petersburg, would not be attending.

Putin also stated that he would not be congratulating the newlyweds either, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in response to the relevant question.

“No, the president is not planning to congratulate the newlyweds in any way. Once again, this wedding has absolutely nothing to do with our agenda,” Peskov said.

This is a clear indication that Putin does NOT recognize the current Romanov descendants – Maria Vladimirovna and her son George Mikhailovich, as anything more than Russian citizens.

It is interesting to note that Martin’s quote about Masha and Gosha’s “good relations with Putin” is one of many sensationalized articles penned by him on his Legitimist blog. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February, Martin promptly deleted any and all comments which linked Maria and George to Putin. Martin has a history of distorting the truth about the Kirillovich branch of the dynasty and their descendants. His job is to detract any negative media coverage of Masha and Gosha, always putting a spin on the truth in order to make them come up smelling like roses. This is reason enough to take anything written by him with a grain of salt.

Maria and George are wise not to speak out against Putin, knowing the consequences which they would face. For one, Maria’s “Chancellery” would be closed in Moscow; her son and his morganatic wife—both of whom live in Moscow—would be asked to leave the country; and Maria herself would be persona non grata in Russia. In addition, their Russian passports would most likely be revoked.

PHOTO: Prince George “Gosha” Mikhailovich

“Send George to the front and sanction him!”

In the Spring of 2021, Gosha was interviewed in an international magazine out of Hungary known as Gentleman’s Review. He was quoted as saying: “I was raised to serve my country.”

This statement, coupled with his Ukraine comments documented on Russian social media this past summer raise some serious questions about Gosha’s personal commitment to “serve his country”, and he must be made accountable!

Not only should Gosha be recruited and sent to the front to fight for Russia in this dreadful war, he should also be sanctioned by the EU.

George Mikhailovich is a successful and wealthy businessman, and while thousands of his countrymen are being sent home in body bags, George and Victoria live in the lap of luxury in their sumptuous home in Moscow.

“The Russian Imperial House does not make statements of a political nature . . . ”, claims Maria Vladimirovna, words of wisdom her son may want to take into consideration . . .

Why is this article relevant?

I am dedicated to clearing the name of Russia’s much slandered Tsar. This includes identifying those who broke their personal oath to Nicholas II, including George Mikhailovich’s great-grandfather Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich (1876-1938), a member of the Russian Imperial Family, who not only lacked a moral compass, but openly defied his Sovereign, culminating in committing treason against the Tsar in 1917.

Under no pretext can we admit to the throne those whose ancestors belonged to parties involved in the 1917 revolution in one way or another. Nor can we admit those whose ancestors betrayed Tsar Nicholas II. Nor can we ignore those who ancestors openly supported the Nazis. Thus, without any reservations, the right to the succession to the throne of the Kirillovich branch should be excluded.

Any one who supports this branch of the family, dishonours the memory of the Holy Tsar-Martyr Nicholas II.

NOTES

[1] Maria “Masha” Vladimirovna is a Princess, not a Grand Duchess. The last grand duchess of Russia was Nicholas II’s younger sister Olga Alexandrovna, who died on 24th November 1960, in Toronto, Canada.

[2] George “Gosha” is the son of the Prussian Prince Franz Wilhelm of Hohenzollern [born 1943], and a great-grandson of Emperor Wilhelm II (1859-1941). He is legitimately a German prince, and has much more rights to the German throne than that of Russia. But George, albeit very conditional, is still Romanov on the female side, it is absolutely unrealistic to imagine that Russia, would ever accept him as their Tsar.

[3] Born Rebecca Virginia Bettarini, she was received into the Orthodox faith on 12th July 2020, taking the name Victoria Romanovna [named after Grand Duchess Victoria Feodorovna, wife of Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich].

[4] Maria Vladimirovna never had or has any authority to hand out titles or awards as she is not and never has been a ruling monarch. Despite this, Maria actively, and completely illegally distributes orders, medals and even titles of the Russian Empire. While many orders and awards of the Russian Empire have been officially restored in the modern Russian Federation, an ordinary civilian, and not a representative of the state, distributes the same order in appearance and name to her supporters on behalf of the “Imperial House”.

© Paul Gilbert. 12 December 2022