Maria Vladimirovna, Grand Duchess of Russia
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Maria Vladimirovna of Russia, (Mariya Vladimirovna Romanova, Cyrillic: Мари́я Влади́мировна Рома́нова) (born December 23, 1953) is regarded by some nobiliary genealogists and Russian monarchists as the Head of the Imperial Family of Russia and Titular Empress and Autocrat of All the Russias since 1992. Throughout her life she has used the title and style of Her Imperial Highness Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna of Russia.
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[edit] Biography
She was born in 1953, the daughter of Grand Duke Vladimir Cyrillovich of Russia, the Head of the Imperial Family of Russia and Titular Emperor of Russia, and Leonida Georgievna Kirby née Princess Bagration-Moukhransky (the divorced wife of the American-born Sumner Moore Kirby). Maria lives in France and Spain.
Her paternal grandparents were Grand Duke Cyril Vladimirovich of Russia and Grand Duchess Victoria Feodorovna née Princess Victoria Melita of Edinburgh and Saxe-Coburg-Gotha.
On September 22, 1976, she married Prince Franz Wilhelm of Prussia. He was granted the title and style of "His Imperial Highness Grand Duke Michael Pavlovich of Russia" by Maria's father. When they divorced on June 19, 1985, he reverted to his Prussian title and style. From this marriage, Maria has one child, Grand Duke George Mikhailovich.
Maria Vladimirovna's father, Vladimir Cyrillovich, was the last male dynast of the Romanov Family. The arguments over whether she is the valid head of the Imperial Family of Russia are detailed in the article on the line of succession to the Russian throne.
Maria Vladimirovna of Russia is 109th in the line of succession to the British Throne.
[edit] Attitude toward succession controversy
Maria has openly stated that she considers herself the Curatrix to the Throne, as do many monarchists in Russia. Her father's claim as Tsar in Exile was strongly disputed by other members of his family. One said: "To say the family is divided is a euphemism. The family is raving mad." Maria hopes for the restoration of the monarchy someday, but polls have shown a very discouraging response to this prospect. When questioned about a rift in the Romanov family, Maria said;
Attempts to disparage My rights have originated with people who, firstly, do not belong to the Imperial Family, and, secondly, either do not themselves know the relevant laws or think that others do not know these laws. In either case, there is unscrupulousness at work. The only thing that causes Me regret is that some of our relatives waste their time and energy on little intrigues instead of striving to be of some use to their country. I have never quarreled with anyone about these matters and I remain open to a discussion and cooperation with all, including, of course, My relatives. But there can be no foundation for cooperation without respect for Our dynastic laws, fulfilling these laws, and following our family traditions.' [1]
[edit] Regnal actions
In 2002, Maria became frustrated with the internal strife within the Russian monarchist movement. When representatives of the Union of Descendants of Noble Families, one of two rival nobility associations (the other, older one being the Russian Nobility Association) were apprehended in distributing chivalric titles and awards of the Order of St Nicholas the Wonderworker, without having them expressly approved and undersigned by the de jure Empress, she published a relatively strongly-worded disclaimer.
[edit] See also
[edit] Notes
[1] From http://www.imperialhouse.ru
[edit] External links
- Brien Purcell Horan's essay in support of Maria's claim
- Guy Stair Sainty's argument in favour of Maria's claim
- Maria's Official Site(In Russian - English version is available)
| Preceded by Grand Duke Vladimir Cyrillovich |
Line of succession to the Russian throne April 21, 1992- |
Succeeded by Tsarevich and Grand Duke George Mikhailovich Heir-Apparent |
| Preceded by Constanza Snyder |
Line of succession to the British Throne | Succeeded by Grand Duke George Mikhailovich of Russia |
