The new tsar of Russia and Queen Victoria's favorite granddaughter were married on November 14, 1894 at the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia. Just weeks before, Alix took the name Aleksandra Feodorovna when she was confirmed into the Russian Orthodox Church.
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According to Russian Imperial/Royal Protocol, the Bride would wear an Ermine trimmed Imperial Coronation Mantle over Her gown, as can be seen in your picture. Poor Princess Alexis nearly collapsed when the Mantle with the long train was draped over Her delicate shoulders.... She was unable to move unaided! However, She looked very Regal.....
She would have to wear the same Mantle/Cloak again at the time of the Coronation. One hopes it did not cause Her any back problems......
Alix and Marie were both under very difficult circumstances. Marie enjoyed her role as empress, and to lose both her husband and her position was very difficult for her to endure. Alix was under tremendous pressure to adapt to a new marriage, a new religion, and a new homeland. It was inevitable that these two women would come into conflict as they tried to adapt to a new reality. It really would have been better for both of them if the wedding had been postponed a year or more into the reign of the new tsar, but Nicholas was unwilling to wait.
I don't think so. Nicholas was The Tsar of All Russia, ordained by God etc... it was his call to make.
