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.

What I Had Sensed From the Beginning

Proof it's them.

Now, the mystery can be put to rest and the babes, teenagers at the time of their murder, can physically join their family in the Peter & Paul Cathedral; as they have already done so in heaven.

You Are Olga

At least that's who this quiz identifies me as.

Which Grand Duchess Would YOU Be?

"You are Olga, the serious, compassionate poet; eldest of the four Grand Duchesses. You can be moody, but you have a heart of gold. You always try your best to help others. You are highly intelligent, and are something of a book worm. You are honest to a fault."

Clicky the linky above to find out which of Nicholas and Alexandra's daughters you would be.

Interesting royal anecdote (I have to throw them in anywhere I can folks!) - Every daughter born into the Romanov dynasty given the name Alexandra died before the age of 20. For this reason, the name fell out of family use in the late 1800's.