Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna: June 2008-

[Benjamin]

Originally Posted by Alexey 1904

She would want any Romanov property that belonged to her father returned to her.

That is your opinion and it is contrary to every single statement the Grand Duchess has made on the subject.

[Cory]

Press Release. The Head of the Russian Imperial House, H.I.H. Grand Duchess Maria of Russia, and H.I.H. the Heir, Tsesarevich, and Grand Duke George of Russia visit St. Petersburg, April 23-27, 2012

[BeatrixFan]

It's a shame that we don't get to hear of these things until months afterwards, the Imperial Chancellery seems a bit slow. But none the less, thankyou Cory for keeping us up to date! It's interesting that Maria is taking a very active role in the 2013 celebrations. Not unexpected but interesting.

[Cory]

You're very welcome. The news arrives indeed quite late.

[BeatrixFan]

Does anyone have any information about what this is in reference to? I've no idea what HIH is saying, hopefully some can translate!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_u07-LEzZ8

[Artemisia]

It's the address of Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna on the upcoming 400th anniversary of Smuta (Time of Trouble). Smuta was the period in history of Russia between 1598 and 1613, marked by Polish-Swedish invasion, natural cataclysms, harshest political, economical, state and social crisis. The 400th anniversary will most probably be celebrated some time in 2013.

The Grand Duchess speaks of importance of honouring our ancestors and their legacy. She also says that the best monument would be not ones made of stone or metals, but our good deeds, helping those in need and what's in our hearts.

The address was recorded in Maria Vladimirovna's private residence in Madrid.

If you want to, I can upload a video on YouTube with word to word translation.

[BeatrixFan]

That's very kind of you Artemesia, thankyou! I wanted to know the general jist, I thought it might be something to do with the 400th anniversary. I wonder why HIH hasn't done anything like this before? I would have thought video addresses at pertinent points would do her cause the world of good in a social media age where to be seen is to get on.

[Artemisia]

Bear in mind that even the most "progressive" royal families joined the social networks quite recently. The Grand Duchess is fairly traditional and usually just posted announcements on the Imperial Family website. However, we will probably see more of these kind of video addresses from now on.

I've added the video to YouTube with English subtitles.
Not a great work because I have only basic programs on my laptop, but hopefully, not too horrible either.

The address of Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna from March 1 2012 (English subtitles) - YouTube

[Daria_S]

Thank you Artemisia (of course I can understand Russian, but my vocabulary is slipping, so having English subtitles was a great help). I really like the sentiments behind the speech. She's certainly on the right track.

[BeatrixFan]

That's a huge help Artemisia, thankyou!! I think HIH presents herself really well in this video.

[Artemisia]

You are welcome, Daria and Beatrixfan.
She speaks surprisingly fluent Russian: I expected a bit of an accent. She ending is a bit abrupt, but otherwise a very good presentation.

[Benjamin]

On Sunday, Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna was present at a Moscow summit hosted by President Putin. The topic of the meeting was unity both in Russia and greater Europe. Other guests included former French President Valéry Giscard d'Estaing as well as former heads of state from Poland and Austria.

ansa.it - Ansalatina - Putin llamó a la unidad nacional y europea

[Benjamin]

Last Monday, September 3, Grand Duchess Maria and Grand Duke George met with Metropolitan Hilarion in Moscow.

http://www.mospat.ru/ru/2012/09/03/news69731/

[Benjamin]

Press Release concerning the Official Visit of the Head of the Russian Imperial House, H.I.H. Grand Duchess Maria of Russia, and H.I.H. the Heir, Tsesarevich, and Grand Duke George of Russia, to Moscow for the Celebrations of the 200th Anniversary of the Patriotic War of 1812, September 1-3, 2012

Photo of Grand Duchess Maria, President Putin and Prince Charles Napoléon taken on 2 Sep 2012.

An Address to the Russian People from the Head of the Russian Imperial House, Her Imperial Highness, Grand Duchess Maria of Russia, on the 200th Anniversary of the Patriotic War of 1812

[AnnaMozart]

Im looking for Maria Vladimirovna's contact details. Can anyone provide them?

[BeatrixFan]

The address to write to Her Imperial Highness is:

The Office of HIH Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna
Russia, 105066, Moscow,
ul. Old Basman, 21/4, 37

[Benjamin]

The press office of the Republic of Ingushetia has announced that it will be hosting Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna for five days in November.

Her Imperial Highness is interested in learning more about the culture, economy and history of the region.

Grand Duchess Maria plans to visit academic institutions and to meet with leaders of both the Muslim and Orthodox faiths.

Source: Office of the President of the Republic of Ingushetia

[Benjamin]

Ingushetia is federal subject of the Russian Federation. The Grand Duchess has been invited by President Yevkurov, who was appointed by then President Medvedev. You are thinking of Transnistria, which is occupied by Russian troops and which Maria Vladimirovna has visited before.

Perhaps a little fact checking is in order before jumping at the first opportunity to criticize the Grand Duchess.

[NGalitzine]

Please pass along my most sincere apologies to your illustrious Grand Duchess and my best wishes on her diplomatic and cultural journey. How could I possibly have questioned the reasons for such a historic visit. I have deleted my previous post lest anyone be led astray

[Benjamin]

Why, how very gracious of you. Your astonishingly kind regards will be swiftly conveyed to Her Imperial Highness. As soon as she finishes receiving words of support from the rest of her well-wishers.