Monarchy and Restoration; Rival Families and Claimants

[queenofthelight]

Originally Posted by Marsel

There has been a lot of activity around the Romanovs lately.
Quite a few politicians (although admittedly, not some of the most notable ones) expressed their views on the Family and/or the prospect of restoration. Alexander Belov, former leader of MAII (Movement against Illegal Immigration) and a noted historian offered his views on the subject.
You can read more information in this blog entry.

Dear Marsel, thank you very much for posting this important information.

[Marsel]

You are most welcome, Al_bina and queenofthelight.

Originally Posted by branchg

None of the current descendants are in compliance with the Pauline Laws and all are morganatic. Maria's mother is Georgian and her son is a Hohenzollern, two things which are extremely controversial to average Russians.

I just don't see any prospect of a restoration and the family's reign ended in 1917 with Grand Duke Michael's refusal to accept the throne, passing his sovereign powers to the Provisional Government pending a referendum of the Russian people. Given that point, the throne could be offered to anyone.

I tend to agree with you, branchg. None of the current Romanovs have enough ground to ever claim the Throne. And I believe you are perfectly right about Grand Duke Mikhail: the moment he declined to accept the Throne unless there was a referendum (which never happened), Monarchy virtually stopped existing in Russia.

And yes, the fact that the self-proclaimed “Head of the Imperial House” is not even a Romanov but from German Princely House tends to discourage a lot of Russians, at least those who are even aware about the aforementioned people. Equally controversial is the fact that practically all the Romanovs were born and brought up in foreign countries (in Maria Vladimirovna’s case – in Spain, in Prince Nicholas’s case – in Britain), and therefore, have very little relevance for Russia.

If Monarchy in Russia is ever reinstated (and somehow, I think that is pretty likely at some point in future), I doubt either Maria Vladimirovna or Prince Nicholas (or his Heirs) are going to be ‘invited’: most probably, it will be someone completely new, someone who was born and raised here, although they’ll probably dig a couple of drops of Royal Blood in his/her veins, just for ‘legitimacy’.

Originally Posted by Al_bina

<...>
It remains to be see what may come out of this situation. However, the bickering between various factions of the Romanovs tends to look no-to-so-aristocratic and reminds me of greedy relatives fighting over old pots and pans. If they wish to restore the monarchy, it is deemed expedient for them to unite.

I have to say this for the Romanovs: even though the disagreements within the family are well-known, there rarely ever take the matter into public. This is especially true about the RFA: Prince Dimitri's statement a couple of days ago was one of the very first direct criticisms on Maria Vladimirovna: as a matter of fact, I don't there has ever been an official statement of any sort from the RFA concerning Maria Vladimirovna (which would be disparaging in any way) prior to this occasion.

[branchg]

Maybe Vladimir Putin will be proclaimed Tsar of All Russias. That makes more sense than any of the current Romanovs.

[Al_bina]

I think that the era of proclaiming someone as a Tsar/King/Emperor has passed away.

[queenofthelight]

Originally Posted by Al_bina

I think that the era of proclaiming someone as a Tsar/King/Emperor has passed away.

Well, I think for those, who love and respect a royal person, especially, if she/he is a patriot, the era or time will never pass away.

[Al_bina]

Are you saying that Russians will gladly accept a politician as a Tsar? "...those, who love and respect a royal person [Who exactly is this royal person?]..." might be viewed as a patriot. Have I understood you correctly? What about the rest, who do not care much about the royalty and in particular about the Romanovs and just want to have a stable country to live in?

[Marsel]

I wouldn't exclude the possibility, Al_bina.
Of course, I am not speaking on behalf of all Russians and I know that the idea of a politician as a Tsar would be quite unacceptable for some, but I do believe that the idea is more adequate than that of inviting a foreigner to “reign” over the country.

Not sure why Vladimir Putin would ever want to become a "Tsar" though: why have limited, constitutional role when you have absolute power?

[Al_bina]

Vladimir Vladimirovich is wise enough to know that royalty is like cognac (the older it gets, the better it becomes). Minting (not proclaiming) an absolutely new Tsar and new royal family tends to look awkward to me.
Russians going to Varyags and asking them to "come and rule" again ... Well ... the history may repeat once again. I would say that Prince Michael of Kent would be a great choice as an invited foreign Prince to come and rule. He speaks Russian, has got a perfect bloodline reinforced by extensive experience of carrying out various engagements. In other words, Prince Michael knows how to do a job. Lady Gabriella will make a perfect Grand Duchess, whereas I am not sure about Lord Frederic as Grand Duke.

[Marsel]

Originally Posted by Al_bina

Vladimir Vladimirovich is wise enough to know that royalty is like cognac (the older it gets, the better it becomes). Minting (not proclaiming) an absolutely new Tsar and new royal family tends to look awkward to me.
Russians going to Varyags and asking them to "come and rule" again ... Well ... the history may repeat once again. I would say that Prince Michael of Kent would be a great choice as an invited foreign Prince to come and rule. He speaks Russian, has got a perfect bloodline reinforced by extensive experience of carrying out various engagements. In other words, Prince Michael knows how to do a job. Lady Gabriella will make a perfect Grand Duchess, whereas I am not sure about Lord Frederic as Grand Duke.

Vladimir Vladimirovich is certainly a very wise person.

One thing we definitely agree on: Prince Michael seems a far better candidate to me than most of the Romanovs. And what a wonderful Empress / Tsarina Princess Michael would make! I am quite certain no other Royal Lady could rival her in grace and elegance. And when I think just how well she and Lady Gabriella would wear the Crown Jewels, I want to start a "Prince Michael for Emperor" campaign immediately.


And in other news about Restoration: during a recent conference of the Russian opposition (fittingly named "Russia after Putin"), the question of restoration surfaced again. The conference took place in July and was attended by all the prominent leaders of opposition.
You can read more about it in this blog entry.

It does look like the Romanovs and the idea of Restoration have a momentum. If there are so many speculations about possible restoration now, what will happen closer to 2013 (400 years of the Romanov House) or 2018 (100th anniversary of the death of the last Emperor and his family)?

[Dierna23]

I have just finished reading Marsel's article and I find the whole discussion quite enthralling. A few years before I would never have imagined that such an discussion could have been lead between politicians in Russia. But I got quite clairaudient as I heard of the rehabilitation of Nicholas II. and his family and at least of Grandduchess Ella. That all is coming very quickly lately.

Well, I don't want to assume a right to say, if it would be good or not good for Russia (at least I think - what is gone, is gone). I heard in several TV-documentaries that many Russians would like to have a Tsar again, but here and somewhere else I read that the opposite is the case. So I don't have an oppinion myself

All I can say is, that I'm still really wondering about all that and find it quite interesting.

I agree of course with Al Bina and Marsel - Prince Michael would make a great Tsar But I think, if there will be any restoration at all, it will be a Romanov who will inherit the throne.

[MelinaB.]

I believe things here are more complicated than choosing the right Tsar.It really worries me the fact that the leaders of a country can't find a political solution,they give up and suggest they should all pray for the right Monarch to come and rule them.What's going on,people?Have we entered a new...Medieval century?What's next?Slavery perhaps?I'm sorry,that was one of the most shocking articles I have read and it's not that I believe it's gonna happen-no way,imo-but even bringing up an issue like this is truly scary.Anyway,I do hope that Prince Michael of Kent is enjoying his tea right now...

[branchg]

Restoring the monarchy won't solve Russia's political problems and may increase them. Without a democratic framework, the Tsar would be a mere symbol to be exploited by the powerholders.

Russia should concentrate on building strong democratic institutions and the rule of law before contemplating a return of the monarchy.

[queenofthelight]

Originally Posted by Al_bina

Are you saying that Russians will gladly accept a politician as a Tsar? "...those, who love and respect a royal person [Who exactly is this royal person?]..." might be viewed as a patriot. Have I understood you correctly? What about the rest, who do not care much about the royalty and in particular about the Romanovs and just want to have a stable country to live in?

No, you didin't understand me at all...
As for a royal person, I mean Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna and her son (he is 28 years old), who have been living in Spain for a long time.
There were lots of articles, discussions and pronouncement of their coming back to Russia as at home....
Unhappily, without any useful results....
As for the others, I may say only one thing - No two minds think alike.

[Al_bina]

It has been kind of you to clarify your post. In truth, I think that Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna and her son have got their reasons for not coming back to Russia.

http://www.theroyalforums.com/forums...3&postcount=22
Given this interview, Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna stated that she waits for an invitation from the government as well as points out that there are many points to resolve before they permanently settle in Russia, including monetary allowances for all members of the Imperial House.
In light of Marsel's blog entry (the 29 July, 2009),Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna said,

“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, ..."

Once again, it may appear that she has been waiting for the Russian government to motivate her to come and live in Russia. Why should the Russian government motivate Grand Duchess and her son to live in Russia? Did Bulgaria, Serbia, Romania and Hungary, the civilised countries, provide motivation, including monetary one, for their royal houses to come and live in the respective countries?

[Benjamin]

Originally Posted by Al_bina

Did Bulgaria, Serbia, Romania and Hungary, the civilised countries, provide motivation, including monetary one, for their royal houses to come and live in the respective countries?

I don't believe Hungary has given any form of restitution to the Habsburgs, but...

Bulgaria returned Vrana Palace, the retreat of Bovorets, and several other properties (hunting lodges and farms) to former King Simeon.

Serbia allows the family of Crown Prince Alexander to live in the Royal Palace at Dedinje.

King Michael received Savarsin Castle, Peles Castle (which the Royal Family then resold to the state for 30 million euros), and lifetime rights for his close family to reside in the Elisabeta Palace. Also, the descendants of Princess Ileana obtained Bran Castle (they turned it into a museum).

[Al_bina]

Thanks for information !
In light of your information, the question "Who will fund the maintenance of properties returned?" arises. I do not think that any of the Romanovs pretenders have got sufficient funds to pay for upkeep.

[Russophile]

Originally Posted by Al_bina

Thanks for information !
In light of your information, the question "Who funds the maintenance of properties returned" arises.

I think that would be the most paramount question in any restoration of any monarchy. HM is having a hard enough time paring down the civil list, just think, without all the natural resources that Russia has--and aren't they all in private hands now?--, how are you going to maintain those palatial residences?

[Marsel]

Nope, not all natural resources are in private hands.

Should the Imperial House return to Russia as an institution (which doesn't necessarily mean a Restoration), I doubt that 'returning' them some of the former Imperial Palaces and/or residences, maintaining their security and even possibly, providing an annual allowance would exactly be a drain on the budget.
And just think of the advantages: won't we just love to constantly complain about the 'wasted taxpayers' money', as the British do?

[Al_bina]

Under the current circumstances, I do not think that the Russian government will take any steps toward putting any extra burden on the budget.

[Marsel]

To be honest, I completely agree with you.
Restoration of the Russian Monarchy is very unlikely in near future, however somehow I am convinced that one day it will be restored.