Grand Duchess Kira Kirillovna of Russia’s wedding dress is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Russian Empire. The intricately designed dress, made of heavy silver brocade and richly embroidered, is a family heirloom that has been passed down through generations. It was originally worn by Kira’s grandmother, the Duchess of Edinburgh, and later Duchess of Coburg, who was an only daughter of Emperor Alexander II. This exquisite piece of history is not only a symbol of the grandeur of the Russian Empire but also a reminder of the beauty and craftsmanship that once defined the nation.
As Kira prepares to wear the dress once more, she shares the story of its significance and the journey it has taken to reach this moment. The dress, which is nearly 100 years old, was worn by Kira’s sister, Grand Duchess Marie, Princess of Leiningen, 12 years ago. Now, it is set to be worn again, with minimal alterations needed to fit Kira. The dress is accompanied by a Russian national headdress, a diadem, a long lace veil, and silver low-heeled shoes, making it a truly unique and breathtaking ensemble. This article delves into the story of the dress and its significance, offering a glimpse into the golden days of the past.
what other family heirlooms did Grand Duchess Kira Kirillovna own
- Prussian Meander Tiara: This tiara was a gift from Queen Victoria to her granddaughter, Princess Victoria Melita of Edinburgh and Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, to mark her christening in 1876. It was inherited by Grand Duchess Kira Kirillovna in 1936 and prominently worn when she married Prince Louis Ferdinand of Prussia in 1938.
- Prussian Clover Coronet: This coronet was another heirloom owned by Grand Duchess Kira Kirillovna. It was part of the extensive collection of Prussian Royal Heirlooms she possessed.
- Prussian Ruby Parure: This parure was also part of the collection of Prussian Royal Heirlooms owned by Grand Duchess Kira Kirillovna.
- Vladimir Sapphire Kokoshnik: This kokoshnik was sold at auction in 2014, along with other family jewels, after being inherited by Grand Duchess Kira Kirillovna from her mother, Princess Victoria Melita.
- Greek Key Tiara: This tiara was sold at auction in 2014, along with other family jewels, after being inherited by Grand Duchess Kira Kirillovna from her mother, Princess Victoria Melita.
- Emerald Tiara: This tiara was sold at auction in 2014, along with other family jewels, after being inherited by Grand Duchess Kira Kirillovna from her mother, Princess Victoria Melita.
- Cartier Sapphire Necklace: This necklace was sold at auction in 2014, along with other family jewels, after being inherited by Grand Duchess Kira Kirillovna from her mother, Princess Victoria Melita.
- Diamond Necklace: This necklace was retained by the family and not sold at auction.
These family heirlooms were a testament to the rich cultural heritage and historical significance of the Romanov and Prussian royal families.
what other items did Kira Kirillovna inherit from her grandmother
- Prussian Meander Tiara: This tiara was a gift from Queen Victoria to Princess Victoria Melita to mark her christening in 1876. It was inherited by Grand Duchess Kira Kirillovna and prominently worn when she married Prince Louis Ferdinand of Prussia in 1938.
- Prussian Clover Coronet: This coronet was part of the extensive collection of Prussian Royal Heirlooms inherited by Grand Duchess Kira Kirillovna from her grandmother.
- Prussian Ruby Parure: This parure was also part of the collection of Prussian Royal Heirlooms inherited by Grand Duchess Kira Kirillovna from her grandmother.
- Vladimir Sapphire Kokoshnik: This kokoshnik was sold at auction in 2014, along with other family jewels, after being inherited by Grand Duchess Kira Kirillovna from her grandmother.
- Greek Key Tiara: This tiara was sold at auction in 2014, along with other family jewels, after being inherited by Grand Duchess Kira Kirillovna from her grandmother.
- Emerald Tiara: This tiara was sold at auction in 2014, along with other family jewels, after being inherited by Grand Duchess Kira Kirillovna from her grandmother.
- Cartier Sapphire Necklace: This necklace was sold at auction in 2014, along with other family jewels, after being inherited by Grand Duchess Kira Kirillovna from her grandmother.
- Diamond Necklace: This necklace was retained by the family and not sold at auction.
These family heirlooms were a testament to the rich cultural heritage and historical significance of the Romanov and Prussian royal families.
what other family heirlooms did Kira Kirillovna inherit from her parents
- Prussian Ruby Parure: This parure was part of the extensive collection of Prussian Royal Heirlooms inherited by Kira from her mother, Princess Victoria Melita of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.
- Greek Key Tiara: This tiara was sold at auction in 2014, along with other family jewels, after being inherited by Kira from her mother.
- Emerald Tiara: This tiara was sold at auction in 2014, along with other family jewels, after being inherited by Kira from her mother.
- Cartier Sapphire Necklace: This necklace was sold at auction in 2014, along with other family jewels, after being inherited by Kira from her mother.
- Diamond Necklace: This necklace was retained by the family and not sold at auction.
These family heirlooms were a testament to the rich cultural heritage and historical significance of the Romanov and Prussian royal families.
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| Grand Duchess Kira Kirillovna of Russia and Prince Louis Ferdinand of Prussia Photograph (c) Royal Collection Trust |
by Grand Duchess Kira Kirillovna of Russia
1938, Potsdam, Germany
My wedding dress is a family heirloom. It belonged to my grandmother, the Duchess of Edinburgh, and later Duchess of Coburg, who was an only daughter of Emperor Alexander II.
It came from her own country, from Russia, where it was made for her and where she wore it as a Russian grand duchess.
It is an old court dress of heavy silver brocade richly embroidered, cut low off the shoulders, very slim at the waist; the long sleeves slit open so that the arms are free.
The heavy train hangs from the waist and is three meters long.
The gorgeous embroidery was made by nuns in a convent famous for its exquisite needlework.
This dress, perhaps (and I think surely) the only example of its kind left, is now nearly 100 years old.
It lay for many years without coming to the light of day. The first time it was worn again after the war and revolution was 12 years ago when my sister, Grand Duchess Marie, Princess of Leiningen, was married in it. Now it is to be worn once more; hardly any alterations or touches were necessary to make it fit.
The Russian national headdress, the famous kokoshnik, goes with it, or a diadem, and a long lace veil and silver low heeled shoes.
No modern dress could equal this one in beauty of style or material. It is something unique, belonging to golden days of the past, the past of a great and rich country which supplied the world with so many things of beauty.
what are the key elements of Kira Kirillovna’s wedding dress
- Prussian Meander Tiara: This tiara was a gift from Queen Victoria to her granddaughter, Princess Victoria Melita of Edinburgh and Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, to mark her christening in 1876. It was inherited by Grand Duchess Kira Kirillovna in 1936 and prominently worn when she married Prince Louis Ferdinand of Prussia in 1938.
- Prussian Clover Coronet: This coronet was another heirloom owned by Grand Duchess Kira Kirillovna. It was part of the extensive collection of Prussian Royal Heirlooms she possessed.
- Prussian Ruby Parure: This parure was also part of the collection of Prussian Royal Heirlooms owned by Grand Duchess Kira Kirillovna.
- Vladimir Sapphire Kokoshnik: This kokoshnik was sold at auction in 2014, along with other family jewels, after being inherited by Grand Duchess Kira Kirillovna from her mother, Princess Victoria Melita.
- Greek Key Tiara: This tiara was sold at auction in 2014, along with other family jewels, after being inherited by Grand Duchess Kira Kirillovna from her mother, Princess Victoria Melita.
- Emerald Tiara: This tiara was sold at auction in 2014, along with other family jewels, after being inherited by Grand Duchess Kira Kirillovna from her mother, Princess Victoria Melita.
- Cartier Sapphire Necklace: This necklace was sold at auction in 2014, along with other family jewels, after being inherited by Grand Duchess Kira Kirillovna from her mother, Princess Victoria Melita.
- Diamond Necklace: This necklace was retained by the family and not sold at auction.
These family heirlooms were a testament to the rich cultural heritage and historical significance of the Romanov and Prussian royal families.
As we conclude our exploration of Grand Duchess Kira Kirillovna of Russia’s wedding gown, we are reminded of the rich cultural heritage and historical significance of the Romanov and Prussian royal families. The intricate details and craftsmanship of the dress, passed down through generations, are a testament to the grandeur of the Russian Empire and the beauty of its people. The story of Kira’s wedding dress is not only a fascinating glimpse into the past but also a reminder of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage for future generations.
Family heirlooms like Kira’s wedding dress are a vital part of our collective history, and it is essential that we continue to cherish and protect them. The intricate embroidery and heavy silver brocade of the dress are a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the artisans who created it. As we move forward, it is crucial that we honor the past by preserving and showcasing these family heirlooms for future generations to appreciate. By doing so, we can ensure that the beauty and significance of these items are not lost, but rather continue to inspire and educate us about our shared cultural heritage.
what other historical wedding dresses are preserved in royal collections
- Princess Charlotte of Wales’ Wedding Dress: This is the earliest surviving British royal wedding dress, worn by Princess Charlotte of Wales in 1816. It is a silk gown with delicate silver embroidery and a long, sweeping train, featuring puffed sleeves and intricate flower details along the hem and around the collar.
- Queen Charlotte’s Wedding Dress: This dress was worn by Queen Charlotte, the wife of King George III, on her wedding day in 1761. It is a magnificent court gown heavily embroidered with gold thread and a stomacher panel covered with diamonds.
- Grand Duchess Kira Kirillovna’s Wedding Dress: This dress was worn by Grand Duchess Kira Kirillovna of Russia on her wedding day in 1938. It is a family heirloom that belonged to her grandmother, the Duchess of Edinburgh, and features intricate embroidery and heavy silver brocade.
These dresses are significant not only for their beauty and craftsmanship but also for the historical context in which they were worn. They provide a glimpse into the fashion and cultural practices of the time and are an important part of the royal collections.
