Romanov Family Association

Russia is positively buzzing with news about the Romanovs!

The upcoming 400 years anniversary of the House combined with the unusually high level of activity of the members of the Romanov family, have resulted in a significant increase of coverage of Family.
While the members of the Romanov Family discuss who is going to be the main representative of the Family during the celebrations, Russians are trying to understand what their role could be for the country.

According to Alexander Belov, former leader of MAII (Movement against Illegal Immigration), the perspective of the return of the Romanovs must be viewed favourably: “I’ve met with several members of the Family and I think they’d be quite useful for the country. They are pleasant and intelligent, even the language they speak isn’t quite the contemporary Russian: it is the language of Turgenev, Pushkin and Goncharov. Modern Russian ‘elite’ could learn a thing or two from them. All in all, I don’t know a single person among the current Romanovs, who could harm Russia in any way”.
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Belov noted that the advantages of the possible return of the Romanovs are far more than drawbacks: “If the Family gets transport, buildings and security, it is not exactly going to be a drain on the country’s budget. I also think that the Romanovs should be given back at least some part of the properties Soviet Government confiscated”. Belov went as far as predict actual restoration of the Monarchy and discussed the advantages of the possible event: “In Western Europe, existing Royal Families help strengthening cultural and social ties, support charities, represent the country at the appropriate occasions: they aren’t doing any damage but tons of good. As a matter of fact, the Kremlin Administration is currently considering Restoration of the Monarchy (constitutional Monarchy), akin to the British model, when the Monarch would be Head of the State and important symbol, while the actual Governing will be done by the Prime Minister. The plan is still in works: among other things, its execution depends on the compliance of the Romanovs to participate in it”.

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Marsel Russian Royals Maria Vladimirovna, Prince Dimitri Romanov, Prince Nicholas Romanov, Restoration, Romanov Family Association

Some time ago, the spokesman for Maria Vladimirovna announced that “The Imperial House intends to return to Russia. We don’t know when the time will be right, but we are certain that it will happen in near future, as it has already happened in many civilized countries, like Bulgaria, Serbia, Romania and Hungary. The former Royal Houses that returned to their countries of origin now actively take part in their respective countries’ social lives, and so far, no harm has come out of it.

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On the contrary, it is only beneficial, because it helps to unite the people, develop national awareness and helps strengthening the position of those countries on the international level. It is too soon to discuss the possibility of return: the Imperial Family must live up to certain expectations and arrangements must be made for it. We are currently in talks with the Russian Government concerning the issue”.

As an answer to Maria Vladimirovna’s statement; on July 28, 2009 the Romanov Family Association released an official announcement. “Members of the Romanov Imperial Family, who are currently residing in different parts of the world, are indeed considering a return to Russia. However, under no circumstances they are going to ask for any privileges or special treatment from the Russian Government,” announced the official spokesman for the Romanov Family Association, Ivan Artzishevski.

He also released an official announcement by Prince Dimitri Romanov, the brother and Heir to the prerogatives of Prince Nicholas Romanov (the Head of the Romanov Family Association and Claimant to the Headship of Imperial House of Romanov), which addressed the same issue. The translation of the complete proclamation of Prince Dimitri Romanov reads:

“During my last visit to St. Petersburg, representatives of various news agencies asked me to comment on the announcement made by the spokesman of my relative, Maria Vladimirovna.

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Marsel Russian Royals Maria Vladimirovna, Prince Dimitri Romanov, Prince Michael of Kent, Prince Nicholas Romanov, Prince Rostislav Romanov, Romanov Family Association

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.

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Marsel Russian Royals Belarus, Bowing & Curtseying, Maria Vladimirovna, Official Visit, President Lukashenko, Protocol