Nicholas and Alexandra

PART ONE

NOTE

The titles EMPEROR and TSAR, and EMPRESS and TSARITSA, are all correct and are used interchangeably in this book. EMPEROR was a higher rank, first taken by Peter the Great, but Nicholas II, a Slavophile, preferred the older, more Russian title, TSAR.

Dates in Russian history can be confusing. Until 1918, Russia adhered to the old Julian calendar. In the nineteenth century, this calendar was twelve days behind the Gregorian calendar used almost everywhere else. In the twentieth century, the Russian calendar fell thirteen days behind. In this book, all dates are given according to the newer, Gregorian calendar, except those specifically indicated as Old Style (O.S.).

Every Russian has three names: his first or Christian name; the name of his father with VICH added (meaning SON OF); and his family name. Thus, Nicholas was Nicholas Alexandrovich Romanov. For women, the second name is their father’s with EVNA or OVNA (DAUGHTER OF) added. The Tsar’s youngest daughter was Anastasia Nicolaevna.