“Maria Romanov: Third Daughter of The Last Tsar” – Helen Azar

“Diaries and Letters 1908 - 1918”

Feb 12, 2024

This thread is incomplete but already far longer than I had intended for a mere book mention. I am posting what I have so that I can move on with my next book. There is sufficient here to give an insight into this book, and more particularly the person who was Maria Romanov [14 June 1899 – 17 July 1918].

To set the scene, a few videos:

· The Romanovs. Maria Nikolaevna – blessOTMA

· Romanovs in Color | Maria - The Romanov Royal Martyrs

· The Romanovs. Marie – blessOTMA

· Grand Duchess Maria Nikolaevna Romanova, 1914, Brought To Life - History Scoop

Some background about Maria from a related source:

From “The Romanov Royal Martyrs: What Silence Could Not Conceal” – authored by Saint John the Forerunner Monastery, Cyprus:

“On 14 June, 1899, a third daughter was born to the royal couple, Maria. Maria was the angel of the family. As Mrs. Eagar so characteristically writes, Maria "was born good, I often think, with the very smallest trace of original sin possible. She was so noted for her goodness that everyone was astonished at an unexpected event that happened once. Mrs. Eagar remembers, "When she was a very little child, she was one day with her sister in the Empress' boudoir, where the Emperor and Empress were at tea. The Empress had tiny vanilla-flavoured wafers called biblichen, of which the children were particularly fond, but they were not allowed to ask for anything from the tea table. The Empress sent for me, and when I went down little Marie was standing in the middle of the room, her eyes drowned in tears and something was swallowed hastily. Dere! I've eaten it all up, said she, 'you tant det it now.’ I was properly shocked, and suggested bed at once as a suitable punishment. The Empress said, 'Very well, take her,' but the Emperor intervened, and begged that she might be allowed to remain, saying, I was always afraid of the wings growing, and I am glad to see she is only a human child."
Her elder sisters at first somewhat took advantage of Maria's good nature. Once when she wanted to take part in one of their games, in order to be rid of her they ordered her to leave their room and told her to play the role of their footman! Maria did go out, but in a little while she returned with an armload of toys saying, "I won't be a footman, I'll be the kind, good aunt, who brings presents." Olga and Tatiana admitted that they had been mean to poor little Marie, and from that hour they no longer excluded their little sister from their games.
Another time all four of the girls were ill with whooping cough, and they coughed a great deal. Mrs. Eagar told them that they were to be most careful not to cough on anyone, or that person might take the disease from them. One day as little Anastasia, then still an infant, was coughing and choking away, Maria came to her and putting her face close to her said, “Baby, darling, cough on me." Greatly amazed, Mrs. Eagar asked her what she meant, and Maria said, "I am so sorry to see my dear little sister so ill, and I thought if I could take it from her she would be better.”
Maria was probably the most social of all the sisters, and her diaries reveal that she did not have much patience for diary keeping, but found it tedious because she preferred real conversation. Her entries were short and her handwriting often a bit sloppy. She would also skip many entries, especially when she was younger. She did better when she got older but clearly never grew to like it. Her letters, on the other hand, were very descriptive and upbeat, using a light and conversational style; she was an excellent storyteller.”

From the introduction by Helen Azar:

“Maria was murdered along with all members of her family on the night of July 17, 1918, just a few weeks after her nineteenth birthday. Her death was bloody and drawn out; by many accounts she was still alive even as the bodies were being transported into the truck, and she had to be struck again and again.”

From the Diaries and Letters:

1906

· Maria to her grandmother, Dowager-Empress Maria Feodorovna:

Dear Babushka,
Congratulations on your birthday. How is your health? I miss you. I am studying every day. I have Russian lessons, the Law of God, arithmetic, German, English and music. I really love music lessons. I had such a great time on the Standard.
Kissing you firmly
Maria
Tsarskoe Selo
10 November 1906

1909

· Alexandra Feodorovna to Maria—

· 10.1.1909 [January 1, in Russian]

Darling Maria, I kiss you affectionately and wish you to sleep well glad that you liked the raspberry tea, hope that you will sweat well—and tomorrow will feel better. —We prayed for you at Church. May the Lord God keep you. Your old Mama.

1910

· Alexandra Feodorovna to Maria (copied in Maria’s hand in English)

· Feb. 4, 1910, T.S.

Sweet little Marie, your tiny letter touched me very much. Certainly you can hang the ring up at the Immage [icon]—I should keep it for you & then we can think over when & how to do it. Sleep well & God bless you, try always to love Him above all & to be a good patient little girl, and try never to be dis-obedient. I kiss you very tenderly. Your own Mama

· Alexandra Feodorovna to Maria [in English]—

· March 7, 1910.

Darling Marie, Loving thanks for several dear letters. Our Friend has come for very short. Try always to be a good & obedient & gentle girly, then all will love you. I have no secrets with Anastasia, I do not like secrets. God bless you, many kisses fr уг old Mama +

[Note: Maria was the third daughter and went through the usual pains of growing up feeling the insecurity of not being as loved as her two older sisters Olga and Tatiana, or her youngest sister Anastasia.]

· Alexandra Feodorovna to Maria

· Thursday March 11th, 1910

My darling little Marie,
Your letter made me quite sad. Sweet child you must promise me never again to think that nobody loves you. How did such an extraordinary idea get into your little head? Get it quickly out again.
We all love you very tenderly only when too wild & noughty and won't listen, then must be scolded; but to scold does not mean that needs does not love, on the contrary one does it so as that you may cure your faults & improve.—You generally keep away from the others, think that you are in the way, & remain alone with Trina instead of being with them. They imagun [imagine] then that you do not want to be with then [them]; now you are getting a big girl it is good that you should be more with them. —Now do not think any more about it, and remember that you are just as presions [precious| & dear as the other 4 & that we love you with all our heart.
God bless you Darling Child. I kiss you ever so tenderly. Yr loving old Mama +

· Maria to Alexandra Feodorovna—

· 11th May, 1910

My dear Mama! Are you well? I want to tell you that Olga would really like to have a room of her own in Peterhof, because she and Tatiana have way too many things and way too little space. Mama how old were you when you got your own room? Please tell me if this can be arranged. Mama, how old were you when you started wearing long dresses? You should not think that Olga also wants to wear long dresses.
[…]
I kiss you
Maria
P.S. I made this up to write to you

1911

· Alexandra Feodorovna to Marie (in English)

· Feb.15. 1911

Loving thanks, Marie darling for your sweet letter. Yes, I too am very sad our beloved Friend is now leaving —but whilst he is gone we must try & live as He would have wished, then we will feel He is near us in prayers and thoughts. Sleep well. 1000 Kisses from yr old Mama. Next week I shall take you to Znam[enie] Church. —Faults in your letter: ofoull—awfull. Ofoon—often, too diner —to dinner, awey—away, sech —such, taom —time, I wood — I would, no — know, wat—what, Communion, angell—angel, we-week, suit—sweet, rite—write.

1912

· January 21 1912 Saturday Venerable Maxim Ioannchik

I had a lesson in the morning. Breakfast 5 with Mama, Papa, B[aron] Fredericks and Ioannchik. In the day 4 went to Anya's with Mama. Kiki was there. Was at the vsenoshnaya with the Regiment. Dinner 5 with Mama, Papa and loannchik.

· February 2 Thursday The Meeting of the Lord Pr. Eristov

Were at Church in the morning. Went to the theater by train. Sat at breakfast with Papa and Pr[ince] Eristov. Saw the ballet "Sleeping Beauty." Later were at the Montenegrin King's.

· March 10 Saturday Martyr Kodrat Pr. Engalychev

Had lessons. Breakfast 4 with Mama, Pr[ince] Yusupov and Belevsky. Went for a ride and a walk in the day. Was at the All-Night Vigil. Had tea with Anastasia and Alexei. Dinner 4 with Papa, Mama, Aunt Ksenia, A[unt] Olga and Grandma.

· Olga to Maria—

Congratulations to my dear, fat Kazansha.
Olga
Christmas 1912

1913

· February 23 Saturday.

In the morning took a walk with Papa. Then there was a "baise main" for the ladies. Had breakfast with Papa and Grandmama. In the afternoon took a walk with Papa. Had tea with all the Ai Todories. Went to Trina's. Had dinner with Olga and Papa. Anastasia and I took a bath in the big bathtub at Papa's. Tatiana has typhus.

· March 5 Tuesday

In the morning sledded with Madame Conrad.
Had lessons. Had breakfast with Mama on the sofa. In the afternoon stayed home due to a cold. We got haircuts and Tatiana's [hair] got all cut off. Had tea in the playroom. Had dance lessons then did homework. Had dinner with Mama on the sofa.
March 6 Wednesday. Had lessons in the morning. Had breakfast four with Papa, Fabritzky and Mama on the sofa. In the afternoon stayed home. Had a music lesson. Had tea in the playroom. Did homework. Had dinner with Anastasia. The King of Greece has died.

· May 7 Tuesday

Rode around with Anastasia and Madame. Had lessons. Went to the regiment church for molebna 5 with Papa. Had breakfast 5 with Papa and Mama on the sofa. In the afternoon took a walk with Papa, then went in boats. Had tea 4. We 4 had dance lessons. Had music. Had dinner with Anastasia and Alexei. At 11 in the evening Papa left to Berlin for the wedding of the daughter of the German emperor.

· May 16 Thursday

At breakfast sat with Count Apraksin and Masolov. Went 5 with Papa to Vladimir to the Uspensky Cathedral [for the tercentennial celebrations of the Romanov Dynasty].

· August 3 Saturday

Had music and God's Law lessons. Had breakfast 4 with Papa, Aunt Miechen, Aunt Ducky, Aunt Irene and Uncle Kirill. In the afternoon 4 went with Papa and Aunt Irene to see the maneuvers at Krasnoe [Selo]. Had tea with Aunt Irene there. Returned home 4 with Aunt Irene. Had dinner 4 with Aunt Irene and Mama on the sofa. Played cards.

[Note: Empress Alexandra (Mama) was often “on the sofa” as she was in rather poor physical health with various ailments – probably of a rheumatoid nature with leg pains and headaches. Much of this was brought on by her having borne four daughters and then their son Alexei who was diagnosed with haemophilia and created such an emotional and physical drain on Alexandra whose sense of burden of producing a healthy heir was overwhelming.]

· August 4 Sunday

In the morning 4 went to obednya. Had breakfast 5 with Aunt Irene and Mama on the sofa. In the afternoon 4 played tennis with Nastenka and Lori. Went to Aunt Mops's with Aunt Irene. Had tea 4 with Mama and Aunt Irene. Rode around 4 with Aunt Irene. Had dinner with Anastasia and Alexei.

· August 6 Tuesday

4 went to obednya. Had breakfast 5 with Nastenka and Mama on the sofa. …

1914

· Maria to [mother] Alexandra Feodorovna—29 April, 1914

Christ Has Risen! My beloved Mama, are you well? I wish you a wonderful holiday. Kiss you affectionately.
Maria
God bless you Mama darling. Sleep well. Have lots of nice dreams and dont be to lonly. Anastasia and I kiss ever so tenderly. Your loving Maria +

· Author's note: On July 19, 1914, Germany declared war on Russia.

“The next day Maria and her family traveled to St Petersburg to appear to the cheering crowds in Palace Square in front of the Winter Palace. Maria's sister, Tatiana, described the event in her diary:

"Masses of people on their knees cheering and blessing Papa and Mama. All the relatives went to the Nikolaevsky Hall which was full of military officers. There was a moleben, Batushka was there in the middle and read Papa's declaration of war manifesto. Then Papa said a few kind words to them, and they yelled terribly [loud]. It was wonderful. There were many of our Yakhtinsky and Guard-Equipage officers. Saw N.P. and were even able to greet him. [I] was so happy, then Pana and Mama bowed to the people on the balcony on the square. Thousands and thousands of [people] standing [there]. Then back again walking among the huge crowd. On the one side were the simple people, on the other officers. Ours were [there] too. Returned at 7 1/2. Had dinner [we] 2 with Papa and Mama. [Our] spirits [were] lifted greatly.”

During the following few months, the imperial family reached the peak of its popularity with the Russian people on all social levels.

Each member of the imperial family got involved in the war effort, including the two youngest grand duchesses. Maria and Anastasia were too young to train as military nurses like their older sisters, but they became patronesses of the Feodorovsky Infirmary, located near the Alexander Palace.”

· Maria to [father] Nicholas II

· 25 October

My dear Papa darling! I am terribly sorry that I did not have time to write to you. This morning [I had] the obnoxious lessons, as always. Then [we] had breakfast. In the afternoon we went to 4 infirmaries in Pavlovsk with Mama and Aunt Mavra, and saw a Cossack who was wounded by a Saxon swine (i.e., their equerry).
I am writing so badly, because [I am using] Mama's quill. Just nowI washed up, and Liza is combing my hair.
[…]
After vsenoshnaya tonight we went to the infirmary, where Iedigarov was [admitted]. I kiss you affectionately, my golden one. Your devoted and loving Kazanetz. Big regards from me to Sasha and Kolya. Grigori [Rasputin] was just here. He will remain in Petrograd until you get back. God be with you.
· 29 October
My golden Papa! This morning, we have lessons, as always. Alexei has time to write to you today, as he will not have a lesson with Pyotr Vasilyevich. Yesterday evening at half past ten Mama went to the train. Before that Malama was here, he was very sweet. Today all snow melted and the weather is very spring-like, only the grass is not green. Right now, it is drizzling a bit. The sisters rode with Anya, Olya and Resin. In the afternoon, Anastasia and I will probably go to our infirmary. We have this one soldier there who does not say anything, but is awfully sweet. For some reason he loves bracelets and played with one of mine for a long time. We have three soldiers who cannot write at all. One of them learned to read a little with us. We have four officers. One is tall, [he] stinks and is afraid of dressings, and has a wife. Another is fat and not too smart. The third, a regiment commander, always has a bunch of visitors, and the fourth is leaving today it seems. Nikolaev just arrived here from the Svodny Regiment, [he] was wounded, and we are going there now. I kiss you very affectionately and love you. Your Kazanetz. May God keep you.

· 30 October

My very own darling Papa! This morning Alexei's train arrived. Mama was there with Olga, Anastasia and Alexei. In the afternoon Olga and Tatiana will change dressings again, while Mama will stay home. Mama arrived yesterday at six o’clock. After dinner we 4 went to the infirmary with Anya, where ledigarov [is). They were all very sweet. Anastasia and I returned at half past nine. When Olga was speaking to someone for too long, ledigarov would start coughing loudly, so that she would turn and go to their room. Anastasia and I don't know what we will do this afternoon. I have a cold.
Yesterday when we came to our infirmary, suddenly masses of people started coming out of the infirmary (that is the Svodny Regiment officers) and among them was my Demenkov. We got terribly frightened and walked very quietly, so that they would not turn around. Saw Nikolaev, [his hair] got rather gray. He told us a lot of interesting things. In the morning had lessons as usual. Regards to Kolya and Sashka. I firmly shake your hand, in order not to give you my cold. Your Kazanetz. I wrote this letter before breakfast, but Mama still has not returned from the dressings. May God keep you.

· 30 November

My golden Papa? Mama is now lying on the sofa and resting. This morning, all of us, 5 with Mama went to obednya and then to change dressings, and Alexei also watched and counted how many he was present at. After breakfast we took [photographs) with the wounded officers at the Grand Palace. From there we went to the Invalid House, and there, Mama gave out St George's medals to several lower ranks. Mama is very tired, and therefore she will not write to you today. We will now have tea with Uncle Pavel. Yesterday at vsenoshnaya I saw my darling Demenkov, while Shedov was at the meeting. So, both Olga and I were very happy. Yesterday afternoon we went to the local infirmary, where Mama also awarded medals. Today after tea Mama will receive the officers, her two Crimeans, one from my regiment and the other from Olga's. I kiss you affectionately, your always loving Kazanetz. May God keep you.
Regards to Kolya and Sasha.

· Maria to Alexandra Feodorovna—

· 2nd December 1914. Ts.S.

My beloved Mama dear!
Thank you so much for the sweet note and the telegram. We studied in the morning, and I walked with Shura. Anastasia still has no real Becker {code word for their periods].
Now we had a lesson from P. V. He read Turgenev to us.
VN cut out the eyes of the commander of the Shirvan regiment.
Firmly kiss you and love you.
Your daughter
Maria
God bless you

· Maria to Alexandra Feodorovna

· 18 Dec 1914

My golden Mama.
I wish you a good night and hope that you feel good tomorrow. M throat still hurts when I swallow and I still have compress on my head. God bless you.
Your loving and firmly kissing daughter Maria.

· Maria to Olga Kleinmichel Voronova

· 29 Dec 1914

My dear and sweet Olga!
Thank you very much for your letter. How are you living - on your own or with one of your sisters? We are going to Christmas parties every day at the infirmaries. Today we were at Mama's Christmas Party at the Nanny School. There are lots of extra children there now, such awfully sweet darlings. We gave them all presents and they were so happy with them and each one showed their nanny what they got. They are so appetizing. There are some really little ones there, some are only two weeks old. I love little children so awfully much, play with them and carry them in my arms. Do you love babies? Olga and Tatiana have been at the dressings since 10 o clock already. Anastasia is sitting here in the room and is reading a new book which she got for Christmas. I kiss you firmly my darling Olga and love you.

1915

· Maria to Nicholas II—

· 18 April

Papa, my dear darling! Well, how are you doing, can you?
I am so happy I saw your glorious Plastuns. " We are doing the same as always. Today we went to vsenoshnaya. Batushka Kibardin did the service while the soldiers sang like angels, so nicely. At the church, there was no one interesting to me, except for our wounded.
We just finished dinner. Alexei came to Mama's to pray. The sisters are dismantling the flowers that were sent by the Yanovs from Livadia. Wisteria and others. While that page was drying, I read Aunt Olgas letter to our Olga. I put Shvybzik on my lap, but he wished to be on the floor. [...]. Mama is sending Anastasia to bed, while she is in despair [because she] cannot find Shvybzik who is missing in action, everyone is shouting and calling him but he does not come, the bastard. Finally, we found him after 10 minutes, we were all looking for him under the sofas. Finally, Mama decided to bark and Shvybzik barked in response, and it turned out that he was sitting under the sofa at Mama's, and he was pulled out with joint effort. I gently kiss the bump on Kotov's forehead and curtsy to darling Litvinov and Chemodurov. Shura is furiously kissing the heel of your left hind leg in her mind. Personally, I embrace and kiss you tenderly. Your faithful and devoted Kazanetz. May God keep you.
Regards from me to Kolya.

· 26 August

My golden Papa darling! I went to obednya and moleben with Mama and Anastasia, the Batushka gave a wonderful sermon.
It all lasted 1 hour 45 minutes. Olga and Tatiana went to Petrograd and then they will have tea at Grandmama's on Yelagin. I was just at our infirmary with Anastasia. It's so nice that everyone now knows that you replaced Uncle Nikolasha, and now you probably feel a lot more peaceful. Well, so long, goodbye, my angel. May Christ be with you. Your Kazanetz.
[Note: Grand Duke Nikolai Nikolaevich was replaced as the head of the armed forces by Nicholas himself. Probably his biggest mistake as he placed himself in an operational role, and the treachery was allowed to fester behind his back.]

· Nicholas II to Maria—

· Mogilev. 12 September, 1915

My sweet Marie, I thank you so much for your letters, which always make me laugh, from what you write as well as the amount of mistakes in them. I am happy for you, that N.D. is staying in Tsarskoe Selo, but because of that he lost his job at “The Worker.” Have you recently been to Peterhof with Mama? I love to reminisce about our trips there on holidays during the summer. Here on the Dnieper, I have from the beginning wanted to row in a boat, but have not been able to do it for some reason, only was able to cross the river twice on a ferry, along with the motors. I have very little time and therefore must end this letter. I give you a big hug my dear Kazanetz. May Christ be with you! Your Papa.