Maria Nikolaevna Romanova

When I was born, the 19th century was slowly dying and people were looking with hope to the new one - which unfortunatelly turned out to be the most violent century ever. The year was 1899, the day 14th June according to the old calendar, when they gently put me into my Mamma´s arms for the first time. And although she and Papa, and all Russia were disapointed I wasn´t a boy, they all grow to love me - Mamma, Papa, and later, much later, also Russia.

I was given the name of our Holy Mother - Maria. My patronymic name is Nikolaevna, because my father is Nicolas Alexandrovich. And finally my last name is Romanova - daughter of Romanov dynasty.

People usually adress me as "Your Imperial Highness", and when they´re talking about me they use my title of Grand Duchess, but it just sounds ridiculous to me. I like to be called simply Maria or Mashka. True, my sisters sometimes call me "le bon gros tou-tou", but only when they tease me.

I hope that while reading my diaries and letters you won´t be laughing what a silly girl I am! I only hope you´ll get to know me better.

 Your Maria

P.S. Since I´m quite good in drawing and painting (others say that), I have tried to colour some of our family black and white photos. If you like them, you can take them and put them where you like, just please let me know about it and give me credit! 

Author´s note:

I do not claimto be Grand Duchess Maria! Thís is a royal play site! for more info go HERE.