90 Years Has July

Today marks 90 years since that fateful night on July 17, 1918 when Tsar Nicholas II, his family and his retinue, were led down to the cellar room of the Ipatiev house and murdered. Ending their lives and the Romanov dynasty.

Such a somber anniversary. If you can call it that.

In Russia, this occasion is being marked with Orthodox services all over the country. Naturally, Yekaterinburg is the focal point. In scientific news, there is cause for at least some celebration. The Russian team has concluded that the remains found last year are in fact the Tsarevich Alexei and his sister Marie.

I will be in St Petersburg and Moscow this November, too late for the commemorations. Still, it will be poignant to visit the Alexander Palace, the last home of the Tsar and his family before their exile and ultimate death, during this anniversary year.