Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna’s visit to Belarus
Upon invitation, Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna paid a visit to Belarus from July 16 to July 22. It was the first official visit of a member of the Imperial Family to Belarus after the collapse of the Russian Empire.
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Maria Vladimirovna visited several cities in Belarus, including Brest and Minsk, as well as several villages. Members of the Grand Duchess’s delegation made sure the protocol is strictly followed: all those who were to be presented to Maria Vladimirovna were told to kiss her hand, bow/curtsey during the introduction, only respond to her questions and talk when directly addressed to. President Lukashenko was aware and approved of the visit of the Grand Duchess. Although a meeting between the two was considered, it didn’t take place.
The visit of the ‘Uncrowned Empress’ (as she was called in several newspapers) was a moderate success, however it was also controversial.
